Georgia's education community mourns the loss of Scott Sweeney, a member of the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) Board of Commissioners and former Chairman of the Georgia State Board of Education, who passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026. Commissioner Sweeney dedicated more than fifteen years to advancing public education in Georgia 
through distinguished service at both the local and state levels. He served for eight years as an elected member of the Cobb County Board of Education, including terms as Chairman and Vice Chairman. In April 2019, Governor Brian P. Kemp appointed him to the Georgia State Board of Education, where he represented Georgia's 6th Congressional District and, following redistricting, the 11th Congressional District. In January 2020, Sweeney was elected Chairman of the State Board of Education. 

“Marty and I are deeply saddened by the passing of State Charter Schools Commissioner Scott Sweeney,” said Governor Kemp. “Throughout his service on the  Cobb County Board of Education, the State Board of  Education and most recently the Commission, his longstanding commitment to improving the quality of  education in Georgia has made our state stronger and  our students better prepared for opportunities beyond  the classroom. His leadership as chair during the  COVID-19 Pandemic was essential as he prioritized  keeping our students learning safely. We are keeping  his wife, Sandy, and their two sons in our prayers.”   

Following his service as Chairman, Sweeney chaired the State Board's District Flexibility and Charter  Schools Committee, working closely with the Georgia Department of Education, local school districts, and  his fellow board members to strengthen educational opportunities across Georgia. Those who served alongside Sweeney on the State Board remembered both his leadership and his character. 

"Scott Sweeney cared deeply about Georgia students and families, a commitment he made clear during  his years of distinguished service on the State Board of Education," said State School Superintendent  Richard Woods.

"He was a thoughtful leader, a strong partner with both the Georgia Department of  Education and the local districts he represented, and a man of kindness and integrity. He will be deeply  missed, and I am lifting his wife and children up in prayer." 

"It was an honor to serve alongside Scott Sweeney on the State Board of Education, and his leadership as  Chair set an example that I strive to follow," said State Board of Education Chair Phenna Petty. "He was a  dedicated representative of the schools, districts, educators, and most importantly students in his  congressional district. He cared deeply about their futures and the opportunities our state provided to  them. Our hearts and prayers are with his family and loved ones." 

In February 2025, Governor Kemp appointed Sweeney to the State Charter Schools Commission of  Georgia, where he continued his longstanding commitment to expanding educational opportunities for  Georgia students until the time of his passing. 

"The State Charter Schools Commission mourns  the loss of Commissioner Sweeney. He will be  remembered as a champion of excellence in  public education in all its forms, from  traditional district schools to charter schools," said SCSC Chair Cayanna Good, Ph.D. "It was  both a personal and professional honor for the  Commission Board, staff, and charter school  community to work alongside Commissioner  Sweeney. His leadership, thoughtfulness, and  collegiality will be deeply missed." 

Beyond his service in education, Sweeney served as a Senior Business Advisor at InPrime Legal, an East  Cobb business law firm, and held leadership roles with the Georgia School Boards Association and the  Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Across every role he held, he was known for his steady leadership,  thoughtful counsel, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to Georgia's students. 

Commissioner Sweeney is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sandy, and their two sons, Gabe and Jake.