Salt Lake City’s historic West High School named a new principal Thursday, more than two months after its last leader, Jared Wright, was placed on unexplained leave in January.
Salt Lake City’s historic West High School named a new principal Thursday, more than two months after its last leader, Jared Wright, was placed on unexplained leave in January.
Salt Lake City’s historic West High School named a new principal Thursday, more than two months after its last leader, Jared Wright, was placed on unexplained leave in January.
The new leader is Wayne Culley, who has been serving as West High’s interim principal since Wright began leave Jan. 10. He will continue serving as interim principal until he formally begins serving as principal July 1.
“I am honored and excited to continue serving the incredible West High community,” Culley said. “West is a place where every student belongs, where voices matter, and where dreams are supported. My goal is to foster an environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.”
Culley previously served as an assistant principal at West High starting in the 2022 academic year.
His education career began about 20 years ago as a junior high science teacher in the Weber School District before he started teaching in the Salt Lake City School District. He previously served as principal of Bonneville Elementary and as an assistant principal at Meadowlark Elementary.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) West High interim principal Wayne Culley is officially announced as the new principal on Thursday, March 20,
A week after Wright was placed on leave, West High students staged a walkout on Jan. 17 to protest the former principal’s absence, saying they were “confused” by the district’s decision. District officials said at the time that they could not discuss personnel details.
Wright then resigned Jan. 21, posting on his personal Facebook page that “due to some pressing family obligations, I have decided to resign and step down as principal of West High School.”
Culley’s appointment 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.
— This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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