At the Annual Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) Conference in Williamsburg this week, Danville School Board Member Tyrell Payne was elected to the position of Chair for the Southern VSBA region.

The VSBA is a voluntary, non-partisan organization of Virginia school boards and promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Southern Region includes Amherst County, Appomattox County, Bedford County, Campbell County, Charlotte County, Danville City, Halifax County, Lynchburg City, Lunenburg County, Mecklenburg County, Pittsylvania County, and Prince Edward County.

Payne, a native of Danville, has served on the school board for five years. He has also served as the Southern VSBA Region Vice-Chair for the past two years.

Payne said he is “deeply honored” to have been chosen to represent the VSBA Southern Region.

“This opportunity is both humbling and profoundly meaningful,” Payne said. “To be entrusted with this level of leadership is something I do not take lightly, and I am sincerely grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me.”

After experiencing the “power” of the local community and its accomplishments, including strengthened academic systems and expanded opportunities for students, Payne looks forward to expanding the work to the regional level.

“I have been fortunate to grow alongside leaders who share a bold vision for high-quality public education,” Payne said. “I look forward to continuing this progression by serving as the Southern Region Chair with the same dedication I consistently model within our district. I will continue to actively contribute to the work, address regional needs, and ensure our collective efforts move the Southern Region forward with clarity and purpose.”