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SEMS takes Cheer Dawg Classic
1111 sems cheerleaders
Members of the South Effingham Middle School competition cheerleading team are, front row, left to right: Marissa Taylor, Hannah Morris, Kodi Haskew, Bella Kay Tatum, Chloe Kowalker, Caroline Dasher, Nae Adkins and Arianna Poirier; second row: coach Lisa Grassi, Taylor Neely, Madison Ray, Kaci Eddy, Peyton Radcliffe, Erin Hiller, Katie Mclain, Kayley Hair, Elizabeth Hare and coach Theresa Elkins; back row: Delaney Farrell, Melanie Zeigler and Bailey Hurt. - photo by Photo provided
Staff Report
Updated: Nov 11, 2015, 3:19 AM
Published: Nov 11, 2015, 3:21 AM

South Effingham Middle School competition cheer team won first place at the “Cheer Dawg Classic” cheer competition on Oct. 31 hosted by Toombs County High School. The SEMS cheerleaders are undefeated this season. They are preparing for the biggest week of their season to compete at the “Coastal Empire Region Championship” which was held Nov. 5 at Richmond Hill Middle School. The team traveled to Jefferson City High School on Saturday, to compete in the first middle school state competition to be held in Georgia.
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)
Updated: Jun 20, 2025, 1:18 PM
Published: Jun 20, 2025, 12:51 PM
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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