He remained active in advocating for DeKalb students after leaving the board, attending several meetings as well as meeting with parents from his old district about their concerns.

“I feel like I’ll be able to be even more active when I get off the board,” he said last fall.

The news of McMahan’s death came as a shock to several connected to the school district.

“I’m waiting to wake up and realize this is a dream,” said DeKalb school board vice chairman Marshall Orson. “It’s just shocking.”

Melvin Johnson, who also left the board last year after choosing not to run for re-election, said he was numb after finding out from a current board member.

“I couldn’t believe her,” he said. “My heart goes out to the children and wife.”