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ECMS eighth-grader honored at camp
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From left to right are Todd Teasley, director of development, Cade Zipperer and Leroy Bagley, education program specialist. - photo by Photo provided

Cade Zipperer, an eighth-grader at Effingham County Middle School, received multiple awards at the FFA Advanced Wildlife Camp, held July 15-22 in Covington.

Zipperer received a certificate of completion, the outstanding class member (team Orange Opossums) and outstanding class member in both shotgun and outdoor cooking.

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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