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Effingham County Schools Superintendent Randy Shearouse reads to second-grade students at Ebenezer Elementary. - photo by Photo provided

Effingham County Schools Superintendent Randy Shearouse kicked off National Children’s Book Week at Ebenezer Elementary by reading to the second-grade students.

He read “Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister and “Arthur’s Thanksgiving” by Marc Brown.

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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