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'Idol' wows 'em at EMS
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Stephanie Edwards, former "American Idol," performs at Ebenezer Middle School. - photo by Photo by Sandi Van Orden

Former “American Idol” finalist Stephanie Edwards performed for students at Ebenezer Middle School on Tuesday. She also spent time with the show choir.  Edwards said being at EMS was “awesome.” She said she loves children and had planned to become a teacher before deciding to pursue child psychology. Edwards answered questions from the show choir. She said the question that stuck out was “what was the most important thing I gained from my experience?” Edwards said she plans to continue her education, and will either be back on campus in August or taking on-line classes. “I had a lot of fun,” Edwards said of performing for the students. “It’s amazing to be able to perform for them.”

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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