Former Beaufort High principal files defamation suit against school board members, newspaper
A former Beaufort principal has filed a defamation lawsuit against 11 members of the Beaufort County School Board, The Island Packet and its parent company, The McClatchy Co.
Carla Shelton was principal at Beaufort High School during the 2022-23 school year. Her lawsuit, filed Jan. 24 in the 14th Judicial Circuit, states she had resigned on April 24, 2023, but the district was allowing her to serve out the remainder of the school year on administrative leave.
Shelton claims board members made false statements to the paper about the status of her employment.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
She is being represented by Cromer Babb and Porter law firm in Columbia.
This story was originally published January 31, 2024 at 4:10 PM.
Lisa Wilson
The Island Packet