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School system test scores on the upswing
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A review of State End of Course Test and Georgia High School Writing Test pass rates during the Effingham County Board of Education’s March 2 meeting showed promising gains in most areas.

SEOCT pass rates in Mathematics I and II are the areas struggling the most, as these tests and criteria were implemented in the fall 2009, replacing the Algebra and Geometry tests respectively.

Scheduling played a role in some of the scores, such as in Math I at ECHS, where the fall pass rate was 43 percent, which is a considerable drop compared to the annual rate last for the 2009-10 term at 68 percent passing. However, ECHS students taking the Math I test during fall 2010 were mostly credit recovery students, meaning they’ve struggled with math.

For the complete story, see Tuesday's edition of the Effingham Herald.

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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