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UDC holds Georgia Day program
UDC 3
South Effingham Elementary School second-graders watch a presentation on the founding of Georgia. - photo by Photo provided

Fifty-two second-graders at South Effingham Elementary School participated in the United Daughters of the Confederacy’s annual Georgia Day program. Maria Bashlor, president of the Effingham County Hussars chapter 2285, led a brief history and slide presentation.


Students prepared story boards on Georgia’s founding. Maddie Stromquist was awarded first place, Mason Gibney was awarded second place and Miranda Pitt was awarded third place. Winners received a monetary prize and all participants received tokens for free ice cream at Dairy Queen.

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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