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ECHS students read for book week
11.22 Courtney Vinson
Courtney Vinson - photo by Photo submitted

Effingham County High School students in Bonnie Pritcher’s Early Childhood Education Class celebrated national book week by dressing up as book characters and reading to Ebenezer Elementary students.

The students pictured are: Brittani Nethels (mouse) and Ivory Youmans (bunny), Kayla Ginn (Alice the Fairy), Bonnie Rahn (Cinderella), Ashley Coleman (Emily Elizabeth), Dawn Ondriezek (Clifford the Big Red Dog), Courtney Vinson (Thing I) and Nikki Helpling (duck).

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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