By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Georgia Southern hosts chess camp for kids
Placeholder Image
Staff Report
Updated: May 5, 2007, 9:02 AM
Published: Apr 13, 2007, 5:24 PM

Youngsters who are interested in chess are invited to expand their knowledge of the game during a summer day camp at Georgia Southern University.

The annual chess camp for children in grades K-12 will run from June 4-8 in the Nessmith-Lane Continuing Education Building.

There will be separate sessions for beginners and advanced players. Both sessions will be taught by U.S. Chess Federation master Rex Demers, who has more than 24 years of coaching experience.

The session for beginners will run from 9 a.m.-noon each day. Participants will learn standard and specialty chess rules, basic stalemate and checkmate patterns and how to record moves so that a game can be re-enacted.

The session for advanced players will run from 1-4 p.m. each day. Participants will learn mid-game strategy, king and pawn endgames, advanced mating patterns and how to choose an opening repertoire that suits their own style of play.
The registration fee is $140 per person, but will increase to $155 per person after May 18. The fee does not include lunch or snacks.

The camp is sponsored by the Continuing Education Center at Georgia Southern. To register, visit http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/campchess.html or call (912) 681-5551.

For more information, call (912) 871-1763.
Effingham Schools Propose Millage Rate Increase to Meet Growth Demands
Millage Rate
Updated: Sep 4, 2025, 1:01 PM
Published: Sep 4, 2025, 1:02 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — Effingham County school leaders are proposing to raise the property tax rate to keep pace with rapid growth, maintain smaller class sizes, and attract and retain top teachers.

The Board of Education’s tentative plan would increase the millage rate from 16.5 to 18.45 mills. For a homeowner with a $350,000 house, the change would mean paying about $273 more a year, or roughly $22 per month.

The proposal will be discussed at three public hearings: Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. at the district office, 405 North Ash Street in Springfield.

Why Increase Is Needed

District officials said the increase is necessary to cover rising costs and to remain competitive in attracting and retaining teachers and staff. More than 87% of the district’s budget goes to salaries and benefits for employees ranging from classroom teachers to bus drivers, nurses, counselors, paraprofessionals, and administrators.

Superintendent Yancy Ford said the adjustment is an investment in students’ futures. “Smaller class sizes, highly qualified teachers, and strong support staff are all proven to raise student achievement,” Ford said. “This millage rate increase allows us to continue building on our successes and to make sure every child in Effingham County has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.”

Fiscal Accountability

While the rate itself would climb by about 11.5%, rising property values mean overall revenue collections would jump nearly 26%. The additional money, school leaders say, will help preserve Effingham’s strong academic record, which includes a 90.7% graduation rate, higher-than-average reading scores in elementary grades, and SAT results that top both state and national averages. The district also boasts a 91% teacher retention rate.

Finance Director Lauren Cain emphasized accountability in managing taxpayer funds. “Every dollar from this millage rate increase is an investment directly tied to student learning,” she said.

Effingham Schools also highlighted its strong fiscal management. The Georgia Department of Education recently awarded the district a 4.5 Financial Efficiency Star Rating, ranking it fourth out of 180 school systems statewide, underscoring the district’s commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.