The Board of Directors of the Savannah Classical Academy accepted the resignation of Director Ben Couch Payne, who has made the decision to pursue other career opportunities. A proven educator, Payne has led this lottery-enrollment, public charter school since it opened on Savannah’s east side in August 2013. 

Payne leaves SCA in an improving environment as the school continues to pursue academic excellence while its charter remains true to its mission. Beyond the classroom, SCA has introduced a Strings Conservatory, led by Savannah Philharmonic Concertmaster Dr. Sinisa Ciric, to teach students string instruments. The instruments are provided to the young participants free of charge, and no student is required to pay for this program, which provides life-changing opportunities as students pursue artistic excellence. In February this year, SCA hosted the award winning National Symposium on Liberal Education and African American History under Mr. Payne’s leadership.  

"We, as a board, are grateful for the hard work and unwavering commitment that Mr. Payne has given to SCA,” said Board of Directors Chairwoman Falen O. Cox. “We will miss his enthusiasm and celebrate the contributions he has made over the years. He will always be a welcome member of our SCA family.”

SCA, which is open to all students residing in Chatham County, is funded by the public education system but retains a charter that allows it to operate autonomously under a board of parents and community members. The school’s eight core virtues are Compassion, Courage, Diligence, Integrity, Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility and Temperance. The institution offers a unique education experience, has a long waiting list, and over 70% of its students qualify as economically disadvantaged. Admission is by open lottery, with no testing or neighborhood residency requirements. Funding for the extensive $2.5 million renovation of the historic building that houses SCA – located in one of Savannah’s regeneration zones at the corner of East Anderson Street and Atlantic Avenue – led to the school's opening five years ago.

Longtime SCA supporter Don Waters said, “Ben Payne’s legacy will live on at SCA as our charter school grows and fulfills our mission. We will continue to meet Georgia testing standards and maintain our commitment to a classical and academically rigorous education while instilling a commitment to civic virtue and moral character. With a dedicated board and talented faculty, we are poised to meet all our objectives and look forward to the next chapter.”

Mr. Payne said, “The last five years have been inspirational as we raised the education and community spirit from the foundation laid at 705 East Anderson Street. I am blessed to have been a part of SCA and will continue to support the school and the entire SCA family.”