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Pitching in to start the school year
0805 WIB bookbags
From left: SEHS social worker, Erin Woodcock, Marian Hodge, WIB president-elect and owner of Teach Right, WIB vice president of marketing, Amy Greene, Heather Sandstorm, WIB president, ECHS social worker and homeless liaison Jackie Brown, Glenda King, WIB secretary, and Donna Davis, WIB secretary. - photo by Photo by Calli Arnold

Effingham schools started the 2011-12 year Thursday, and in celebration Effingham Women in Business donated 24 book bags to school social workers to distribute to the system’s homeless students. Teach Right sold WIB the book bags at wholesale price.

Last year, there were approximately 375 homeless students in Effingham schools. The systems’ homeless liaison, Jackie Brown, also the ECHS social worker, collaborates with Erin Woodcock, SEHS social worker, each year to find school supplies and uniforms for homeless students in all schools in the county. Social workers and school counselors struggle each year to find enough supplies for these students. 

Anyone wanting to donate a book bag or school supplies to the homeless students of Effingham, can drop them by Teach Right or contact Jackie Brown at Effingham County High School, jbrown@effingham.k12.ga.us.

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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