The principal of Cross Creek High School in Augusta is facing DUI charges after being arrested early Sunday morning. Dr. LaQuanda Carpenter was taken into custody at approximately 1 a.m. in North Augusta, raising concerns among parents and school administrators.
The Richmond County School System has launched an internal investigation into the incident. School officials confirmed they are aware of the arrest and pending charges but have provided limited details due to the sensitive nature of personnel matters.
In a statement released to the media, the school district acknowledged the situation: “The Richmond County School System is aware of the arrest and pending charges arising from an off-campus incident involving the principal of Cross Creek High School. The school system is actively investigating this matter.”
The district says it will not be releasing additional details at the moment. “Because the investigation involves a personnel matter, the school system is unable to provide any additional information at this time,” the statement continued.
Cross Creek High School, located in Augusta, serves hundreds of students in the Richmond County area. The incident has sparked discussions about leadership accountability and professional conduct within the educational community.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about potential administrative actions and the impact on school operations. The district has not yet announced any temporary leadership changes or administrative adjustments at Cross Creek High School.
The timing of the incident, occurring during an active school year, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Parents and community members are awaiting further information about how the school district plans to address the matter while maintaining focus on student education and well-being.
Carpenter’s arrest, happening off school grounds and outside of school hours, nonetheless raises questions about professional standards and expectations for educational leaders in the community.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
