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School board OKs donating bus, van to prison
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The Effingham County Board of Education approved donating one bus and one van to the Effingham County Prison at their meeting Thursday night.

The prison had requested three buses and one van. Superintendent Randy Shearouse said there are several items that have been declared surplus.

“Generally, we auction those items off, but it is allowed to give the products to other government agencies if they can use them,” Shearouse said. “We helped Guyton out by giving them servers a month or two ago.”

He said the board could give what was requested, give some of what was requested or determine not to give any of the equipment.

“Usually when we sell the buses we get anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per bus,” Shearouse said.

Board member Lamar Allen said he did not have a problem giving them some, but did not know that the system should give all three of the buses.

Shearouse said he would recommend letting the prison chose one of the buses and also giving the van.

Allen said that was acceptable to him.

The board also nominated Allen to serve as the Georgia School Board Association’s legislative liaison.

The board also approved the meeting dates for 2009. The board will meet Jan, 7, 15, Feb. 4, 19, March 4, 19, April 1, 23, May 6, 17, June 3, 18, July 16, Aug. 5, 20, Sept. 2, 17, Oct. 7, 15, Nov. 4, 19, and Dec. 16.

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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