West High School Principal Jared Wright has resigned, roughly two weeks after being put on administrative leave for reasons the Salt Lake City School District has not disclosed.
Wright announced the decision on his personal Facebook page late Tuesday, writing that “due to some pressing family obligations, I have decided to resign and step down as principal of West High School.”
“I look forward to seeking other opportunities in the field of education when the time is right,” Wright wrote. He included this message to West students: “The world is and will be a better place because of you. You will always have a place in my heart. Go Panthers!”
Commenters on the post expressed their gratitude for Wright’s leadership.
The district sent an email to West High students and families Tuesday evening notifying them of Wright’s resignation, and announcing that Assistant Principal Wayne Culley will continue to serve as acting principal through the end of the school year.
“West High School is in good hands,” the district’s message read.
More than 200 students protested the unexplained decision to put Wright on leave by walking out of class early Friday.
“[Wright] is a really beloved member of our community,” Asher Lucas, the school’s student body president, told The Salt Lake Tribune on Friday. “We just want to show our support and love for him, because he’s done such a great job as our principal and he cares about all of our students.”
Lucas said students were left “confused” and fearful after Wright left.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Asher Lucas, West High Student Body President, joins a school walkout as he expresses his support for Principal Jared Wright who was recently placed on leave without explanation, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
District spokesperson Yándary Chatwin previously told The Tribune that the district cannot discuss personnel details. “Our employees have a right to due process,” Chatwin said. “They have a right to be treated fairly and to have their privacy protected.”
Wright did not immediately respond Wednesday to requests for comment by The Tribune.
The district launched an internal investigation following Wright’s departure. Chatwin clarified that law enforcement was not involved.
Wright became principal of West High in 2020, after the school’s previous principal, Ford White, was fired for driving two intoxicated students home.
Students walked out in protest when White was placed on leave as well. Following an investigation, the district determined he had broken policy in driving two female students home after they were found intoxicated on school grounds. According to district safety rules, he was supposed to call police instead.
Wright’s sudden leave comes as West High gears up for a near total renovation. In November, voters passed the Salt Lake City School District’s $730 million bond proposal, securing funding for what officials have called much-needed upgrades for West and Highland high schools.
Construction is not expected to begin until spring 2026 at the earliest, and design plans for the interior and exterior of the buildings are still being developed.
