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SEHS FFA team places at area agricultural mechanics career development event
03.02 SEHS FFA mechanics
The South Effingham FFA agricultural mechanics team of Carl Dasher, Adam Smith, Jonathon Dudley, Brett Carter and Whitley Petrea placed fifth at the Area IV competition. - photo by Photo submitted

The South Effingham High School FFA agricultural mechanics team recently placed fifth at the Area IV ag mechanics career development devent. The event was held at Johnson County High School on Feb. 11.

Team members Adam Smith, Carl Dasher, Brett Carter, Jonathon Dudley and Whit Petrea participated in individual problem solving and skill development activities and took a written examination. The event included subject matter associated with machinery and equipment systems and energy systems.

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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