Cass County Commissioner, former Fargo Public Schools Superintendent, dies

A Cass County Commissioner has died.

Boulger Funeral Home says Dr. Vern Bennett, who was currently serving as a Cass County Commissioner, died on Sunday in his home, surrounded by family and assisted by Hospice of the Red River Valley. Bennett was 86.

Bennett had heart and kidney problems.

A public servant, Bennett was superintendent of Fargo Public Schools for 28 years, and a Cass County Commissioner for 10 years, currently serving as a commissioner at the time of hhis death.

In a statement to WZFG News, Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi says, in part, "As the longest tenured Superintendent in Fargo Public Schools, Dr. Bennett leaves a profound legacy in our school system and our community. He will be missed, but will continue to be an inspiration for the next generation of leaders who serve our great city of Fargo.”

While Superintendent at Fargo Public Schools, Bennett started Woodrow Wilson alternative school and initiated the Trollwood Performing Arts School. Bennett Elementary School is also named after him.

Arrangements are entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home. A private celebration of life will be held. He will be buried in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he was born.