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Sand Hill students learn fire safety
Alissa Mincey
Alissa Mincey - photo by Photo by Sandi Van Orden

Students at Sand Hill Elementary learned about fire safety from member of the Effingham County Fire Department last week.

The students learned about fires on the stove and in the oven.

They learned to always blow candles out before leaving a room, and how far away from a candle objects should be placed.

They also learned the appropriate distance to stay away from a fireplace or heater.

The students had a fire drill where they had to crawl below smoke to a door and feel to see if it was a safe exit.

The lessons were part of fire safety week.

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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