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Students recognized by Duke University
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Forty seventh graders enrolled in Effingham County schools recently took the SAT as part of Duke University’s Talent Identification Program. Seven of these students qualified for State Recognition, meaning they scored in the top 30 percent of the Talent Search pool.

These academically talented students are Chandler Hickman, Madison Johnson and Courtney Lane from Ebenezer Middle School, and Seth Penny, Donald Quinones, Jordan Stroud and Savannah Wagner from South Effingham Middle School.

According to Duke University, being recognized for scoring in the top 30 percent of seventh graders from 16 different states is a significant achievement because the pool itself is highly selective and the scores are ones that many high school students aspire to achieve.

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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