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Marching Mustangs take Coastal Empire Classic
sehs group
SEHS members take a break after a long day. - photo by Photo by Calli Arnold
The beat was on at the 29th annual Coastal Empire Classic marching band competition held at Rebel Field on Saturday, with performers and spectators packing the stands.
 
Including Effingham County High School Rebel Regiment’s exhibition performance, more than 1,200 students in 11 bands from all over Georgia performed at this year’s contest. 
 
The Coastal Empire Classic is one of the most established and prestigious marching competitions in the state, and has been held primarily at Rebel Field since it was founded in 1981. The Classic has been an event for high school marching bands to showcase their skills, compete and be evaluated.
 
This year, South Effingham High School took the trophies for Grand Champion and Best in Class AAAAA, receiving superior ratings from the judges, and awards in special categories of best color guard, best percussion and best general effect over all. 
 
 
For the complete story, see Tuesday's edition of the 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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