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Thanks for years of service
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The retirees listen to Superintendent Randy Shearouse as he thanks them for their years of service. - photo by Photo by Sandi Van Orden

Effingham County School Superintendent addresses the school system’s retirees as board members honored them at a reception Wednesday afternoon.

Retiring from the system are: Bobbie Allen, Edith Bennett, Sophie Freyermuth, Mildred Givens, Diane Goldwire, Beverly Hathaway, Elizabeth Helmly, Juanita Hill, Helen Holmes, Netha Howard, Carolyn Kessler, Agnes Maynor, Thomas McGraw, Cornell Mock, Patricia Pace, Kenneth Parker, Debora Parrish, Cynthia Porter, Melanie Reiser, Sandra Rushing, Louise Sebastian, Beverly Sizemore, Barbara Strickland, Colleen Webb, Kathleen Wendelken and Barbara Woodruff.

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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