The Richmond County School District said Thursday that they are aware of the DUI arrest of Cross Creek High School Principal LaQuanda Carpenter over the weekend.
Their statement comes as North Augusta police reveal that the school official blew a .13 BAC level and was swerving on the road before she was pulled over around 2 a.m. Sunday. Her sister told police they were coming from a Christmas party with co-workers.
In a statement, the school district called the arrest an “an off-campus incident,” which they are “actively investigating.”
“Because the investigation involves a personnel matter, the school system is unable to provide any additional information at this time,” the statement said. “Thank you for your understanding.”
Dr. Carpenter, 50, was jailed early Sunday morning on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) after a traffic stop in North Augusta. Police say she was observed driving erratically along West Five Notch Road around 2 a.m., swerving between lanes, striking reflective markers, and failing to properly signal at intersections. After pulling her over, Officer D. Ruben noted a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech, prompting a series of field sobriety tests. Dr. Carpenter failed the tests and later registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.13% after a breathalyzer test.
“At LaQuanda’s request, I released her vehicle to her sister, who was the passenger and sober,” the police report said. “I asked her sister why she was not driving and she advised because she thought LaQuanda was doing OK. I asked where they were coming from, and she stated a Christmas party with coworkers.”
Dr. Carpenter remained listed Wednesday as the principal on the district’s website, though the school community is abuzz with questions regarding her future in the role.
This is not Carpenter’s first brush with controversy. Years before assuming leadership at Cross Creek High School in 2023, Carpenter worked in the Newton County School System in Georgia, where her tenure as principal of Alcovy High School ended amid allegations that were never fully substantiated.
In 2013, a formal complaint was filed against her with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC), which included accusations of alcohol misuse during a 2010 band trip to Florida and allegations of missing school club funds.
Dr. Carpenter’s arrest on Sunday has once again cast a spotlight on her leadership, this time within the Richmond County School District. While some community members have rallied to her defense, citing the festive nature of the holiday season, others have expressed concern over her ability to lead by example.
“As an educator, you’re expected to be a role model for students,” one Cross Creek parent remarked. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable.”
As the Richmond County School District reviews the situation, it remains unclear what, if any, action will be taken regarding Carpenter’s position at Cross Creek.
Before Cross Creek, Dr. Carpenter served as principal of Langford Middle School and Barton Chapel Elementary School. She is also author of a book entitled, “A Leadership Legacy,” which is available on Amazon.
