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Hughes tapped to take over ECMS next school year
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The Effingham County Board of Education has decided that Billy Hughes will take the reins as principal at Effingham County Middle School come July 1.

“Billy Hughes has always done a great job,” said Superintendent Randy Shearouse. “Teachers really respect Billy; he’s a hard worker. He really gets along well with students.”

Hughes has spent his each of the 21 years of his career in the Effingham County school system. The first 16 were as an agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor at Effingham County High School, and for the last five years Hughes has been an assistant principal and CTAE supervisor for ECHS.

For the complete story, see Friday's edition of the Effingham Herald.

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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