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Edwards wins area FFA event
09.18 ECHS FFA Area winner
Jesse Edwards, a junior at Effingham County High School and member of the FFA, placed first in the Area Tractor Safety and Driving Career Development Event held in Metter on Sept. 9. Edwards is the son of Marty and Susanne Edwards of Springfield. He earned the opportunity to compete at the State Level in October for a scholarship. Accompanying Edwards is Dr. Freddie Waltz, agricultural mechanics teacher at Effingham County High School. - photo by Photo provided

Effingham County High School Future Farmers of America member Jesse Edwards recently placed first in the Area IV FFA Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety, Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event. The event was held at Metter High School on Sept. 8.

Edwards competed against 20 other students from schools in the area. This first-place finish qualifies Edwards to compete in the State CDE in October at the Georgia National Fair.

The Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Safety, Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event allows students to demonstrate the skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate a tractor. Participants in the event take a written exam and answer problem solving questions related to tractor servicing, safe operation, care and maintenance. Participants also drive a tractor and are tested on tractor operations.

FFA is a national organization of over 449,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Edwards, a junior, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Marty Edwards of Springfield. Dr. Freddie Waltz, C. J. Satterfield, and Meredith Carey are Effingham County High School FFA advisors.

The FFA Agricultural Tractor and Machinery Operations and Maintenance Career Development Event is sponsored by the Georgia FFA Foundation.

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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