Vernon Payne, who spent nearly 40 years on the Clarke County Board of Education, has died. According to a media release from the school district, Payne passed away on Sunday.
The Clarke County School District called Payne, “a loyal public servant who was committed to improving the education and lives of Clarke County children.” He was first elected to the Board of Education in 1979 and served until 2018. In April 2022, the board's meeting space was renamed in his honor.