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Schools open to more than 11,000 students
0810 STEM academy 1
Work on the STEM addition continues as the 2016-17 school year begins. - photo by Photo by Pat Donahue

The Effingham County School System welcomed 11,255 students through the doors on the first day of school Thursday, not counting the number of children enrolled in the pre-kindergarten programs.

Thursday also marked the opening of the Effingham College and Career Academy’s STEM academy, but the building isn’t quite finished.

“The STEM addition is in its final stages,” said Superintendent Randy Shearouse. “I got a text about how nice it is. It is ready to start school.”

The last day of school for the 2016-17 academic year is set for May 26, 2017.

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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