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ECS students visit the capitol
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ECS students and teachers meet Gov. Sonny Perdue. First row: Casey Fields, Gov. Perdue, Jessi Kicklighter and Rep. Jon Burns; second row: Rebekah Helmey, Kate Hart, Ashley Chauvin and Justin Chung; top row: Wes Brown, Billy Helmey and Roxanne Helmey. - photo by Photo provided

Students from Casey Fields and Wes Brown’s Effingham Christian School visited the state Capitol on Feb. 27.  

The teachers, parent chaperones and students enjoyed an educational tour of the Capitol before meeting for refreshments in Rep. Jon Burns’ office. 

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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