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Quick thinker
winner 1
Anna Kate Taylor of South Effingham Elementary School won the Exchange Club of Effingham Countys annual Quick Think-a-Thon. With her are her teacher, Melanie Clayton, her parents, Michelle and Jay Taylor, Allison Pace as The Foozer and Exchange Club president Julian Pace. - photo by Photo by Pat Donahue

See more photos at community.effinghamherald.net.

Anna Kate Taylor of South Effingham Elementary School won the Exchange Club of Effingham County’s annual Quick Think-a-Thon, held at Ebenezer Middle School. 

First runner-up was Skyler Vining of Rincon Elementary. Second runner-up was Mya Jakiela of Sand Hill. Third runner-up was Ronin Cowart of Springifeld.

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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