Mr. Payne grew up in Clear Lake, Texas. He attended Clear Lake High School where he was part of the Varsity Choir, All State Varsity Swim team and captain, Water polo, French club, Chess Club, and Poetry Club. He graduated in the top quartile of his class and attended Texas State University where he earned a bachelor’s of Science in Sound Recording Technology, with a minor in jazz performance. His is a private music production business owner, a swim coach of 15+ years, and Educator for 7 years in music and elementary education, and 3 years in secondary Math Education. He is a high energy and spontaneous educator who believes in the ability of all his students to achieve greatness.