EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

West High principal’s leave ‘not related’ to safety issues, district says

Jan 17, 2025, 12:43 PM | Updated: 12:52 pm

Students and faculty at West High School staged a walk out protest on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 after a ...

Students and faculty at West High School staged a walk out protest on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 after a series of violent acts and threats in their school and others in the Wasatch Front. (Derek Petersen, KSL TV)

(Derek Petersen, KSL TV)

SALT LAKE CITY — After rumors circulated about why West High School Principal Dr. Jared Wright was placed on administrative leave, the Salt Lake City School District released a statement Friday saying the decision to remove him was “not related” to safety issues at the school. 

In December, students and faculty walked out in protest of the district’s handling of violence at the school; in November, a student was shot in a parking lot on school grounds. On Friday, another walk-out protest was held at the school in response to Wright’s removal.

The district made its statement Friday afternoon, saying the decision to place him on leave didn’t have anything to do with the “concerns he and others shared” related to the school’s safety.

“While we cannot discuss details surrounding personnel matters, we want to dispel any misinformation related to this topic and state clearly that the two are unrelated,” the district said.

The district’s statement did not say why Wright was placed on leave. It said it would be inappropriate to discuss those reasons publicly.

We take the safety of our West High School community – and of all our school communities – very seriously,” the district wrote. “We are fully in support of our employees bringing forward their safety concerns, as we all share the same goal of having our students and employees learn and work in the safest environments possible.”


This is a developing story. It may be updated. 

KSL 5 TV Live

Education & Schools

Elizabeth “Betsy” R. Cantwell...

Carlysle Price

USU President announces departure, becomes first woman president at Washington State University

Utah State University President Elizabeth R. Cantwell has announced her departure from USU and has accepted a position out of state.

2 days ago

STARBASE Hill...

Debbie Worthen

STARBASE Hill program in Utah shuts down due to massive funding reduction

A Department of Defense youth program is the latest victim of budget cuts on Washington’s Capitol Hill, and thousands of Utah children will feel the impact.

3 days ago

FILE — A school bus during sunrise. (Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal via AP)...

Mary Culbertson, Michael Houck and Shara Park, KSL TV

1 student stabbed during fight at Weber County middle school

A student was stabbed during a fight with another student at T H Junior High in Weber County.

4 days ago

The outside of Clearfield High School on Feb. 03, 2025....

Michael Houck

Clearfield High School student brandishes a knife during fight, police say

Three Davis County schools went into secure protocol after an armed student fled from a fight Monday afternoon, Clearfield police say.

5 days ago

North Ogden Canyon Rd, known as the North Ogden Divide, was closed to all lanes of traffic Sunday n...

Alton Barnhart

North Ogden Divide closed due to rock slides, WCRD confirmed

North Ogden Canyon Rd, known as the North Ogden Divide, was closed to all lanes of traffic Sunday night due to numerous rock slides, according to the Weber County Roads Department.

6 days ago

FILE: Salt Lake City Police...

Alton Barnhart

SLCPD’s citywide public safety enforcement results in 22 arrests

Citywide enforcement efforts conducted by the Salt Lake City Police Department resulted in the arrests of 22 people.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

West High principal’s leave ‘not related’ to safety issues, district says