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Getting the rhythm
0511 bang bang drums
Blandford Elementary held its International Arts Festival. - photo by Photo by Calli Arnold

Students and teachers at Blandford Elementary School participated in an International Arts Festival by making different masks and paintings among other things.

The festival was coordinated by BES teacher, Amanda Gonzales, and each class focused on a specific country, and in the afternoon, they were treated with a visit from percussionists Lindsay Rust and Steve Campbell of Santa Barbara, Calif.’s Dancing Drum educational entertainment troop.

Students were taught types of drumming and dancing from all over the world and were able to play the instruments themselves.

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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