The Clarke County School District (CCSD) published a statement in memoriam of one of its most accomplished educators.
Mrs. Johnnie Lay Burks passed away July 23, 2026 from a quick illness. The CCSD statement says that she leaves behind a legacy of courage, leadership, and inspiration for the entire Clarke County School District community.
Burks is known for being one of the first African-American educators assigned to teach a formerly all-white school 1966. For over 30 years, Burks served CCSD as a teacher, counselor, and mentor.
In 1976, Burks was appointed Director of the Clarke Middle School Guidance Department, helping the department become a model of excellence. 10 years later, in 1986, Burks was named Georgia School Counselor of the Year.
CCSD says that Burks' extraordinary contributions as an educator and counselor are why the district renamed one of its elementary schools, Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School, in her honor.
