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Sprucin' up Springfield
SES mural3
Mr. Ridgeway spent time with the students allowing them to ask questions as he painted the school’s new murals. - photo by Photo submitted

Springfield Elementary recently received a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program to assist them in sprucing up the school.

They used the grant to hire Stan Ridgeway and his son, Stace Ridgeway, of Mural Mural on the Wall from Stone Mountain. They were appointed to paint murals in various locations throughout the school.

The men painted a mural in the gym of the school mascot with various sporting equipment. They then painted murals of various book characters and book jackets around the school library. Some of the books featured include, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “Where the Red Fern Grows.” The library murals also contain some book characters including Clifford, Dr. Seuss and the Bernstein Bears.

While painting, the men allowed others to watch and ask questions. Students from Effingham County High School’s Youth Advisory Council were one group that took advantage of the opportunity. Students and parents from the school also looked on with interest.

Ms. Regina Blewett, media specialist at Springfield, would like to invite members of the community to come to the school to view the murals. She would also like to thank the school’s PTO who provided further funding to have the murals completed.

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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