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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)

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — The Effingham County Board of Education on Thursday night approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget — an 11% increase over last year — driven largely by sharp increases in state-mandated health and retirement benefit costs for employees.

The vote was 4-0. School board chairperson Vickie Decker was unable to attend. 

The budget could lead to a property tax hike of up to 12%, depending on the millage rate the board sets later this summer.

Finance Director Lauren Cain said the district will pay $8 million more next year to cover state benefit increases, including a nearly twofold jump in premiums for the State Health Benefit Plan and a higher employer contribution rate to the Teachers Retirement System. While the state is providing $4 million in additional funding, it will only cover half the increase, she said.

To offset the gap, the district is considering raising the millage rate from 16.50 to as high as 18.50. For a $350,000 home, that would amount to about $280 more in school property taxes.

"As we move into the millage‐rate process, our goal is clear: adopt a rate that is both appropriate and as conservative as possible. By working closely with the tax assessor’s office, we aim to balance the resources our students and staff need with a steadfast commitment to protecting Effingham County property owners," School superintendent Yancy Ford said after the meeting. 

The budget also includes funding for 71 new positions — mostly teachers and custodians — and $75 million in capital projects through ESPLOST. That includes the construction of Creekside Elementary in Rincon, set to open in fall 2026, and a $35 million expansion of Effingham County High School, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.