Sweat resigns from LCBOE District 1 seat

Following last Thursday’s school board meeting, Kathy Sweat felt that she had done all that she could do.

Sweat, who was set to step off the board as the District 1 representative at year’s end, resigned toward the end of the meeting. 

Sweat was first elected to the school board in 2014, and was just three months away from completing her 12th year.

“I have been involved with the school system for 71 years,” she said. “It has been my heart and I’ve really tried what I thought was best for the children and the staff. But the time comes when you feel like you are drained and don’t have anything else to give.” 

Jennifer “J.” Stone, who was the only candidate who qualified for the District 1 seat earlier this year, will officially start her first term on Jan. 1, 2027. 

Laurens County School Superintendent O.J. Hall said Sweat means a lot to the county school system and many on the LCBOE.

“She has served three terms and has been dedicated to the board,” Hall said. “She has been engaged to the Laurens County School System and the community her entire life. She has gone from a student, to an educator to a board member. She has been involved in the county school system in some capacity for a majority of her life. She has a passion for supporting our educators, students and she has loved sports and athletics. She is an all-around great educator.” 

Hall said they are required to submit a letter about Sweat’s resignation to the secretary of state.

“Once we get that part squared away, we’ll move forward with an appointment of someone to fill her seat for the remaining three months,” Hall said.