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Students compete in state science & engineering fair
megan spence science
Megan Spence placed third. - photo by Photo submitted

Students from SEHS and SEMS competed at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair in Athens, March 28-31. SEHS students were Kirsten Edwards and Melanie Richtman (both received fourth place). SEMS students were Selina Jonas, Megan Spence, Joshua Anderson and Jessica Bitting. Selina and Megan received third place recognition and Joshua and Jessica got honorable mention.

In addition to the actual competition, the students participated in various activities on campus: visit to the school of veterinary medicine and Georgia Natural History Museum, lab work in the plant pathology lab, and interactions with various insects in the entomology lab.

The students also attended a concert by the University Chorus and the UGA/Florida baseball game.

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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