Northwestern Local Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Layton placed on leave pending investigation

WEST SALEM, Ohio (WJW) — Administrators of Northwestern Local Schools in Wayne County last week placed the district superintendent on leave, pending an investigation.

“The Board of Eduction recently learned of allegations that necessitate a formal investigation of alleged conduct by Superintendent Jeffrey Layton, and intends to hire a neutral, independent party to investigate the allegations,” reads a unanimous resolution from the district board of education’s April 11 meeting.

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The resolution places Layton on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, assigning him to “home,” where he’ll be expected to continue his “non-statutory” tasks and duties.

Julie McCumber, the district’s director of curriculum and personnel, has been named acting superintendent during the investigation, according to a district spokesperson. She’ll be paid $133,034 per year, prorated by month, according to the board’s resolution.

Corey Richardson has been named acting principal of the middle school.

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The 2023-24 school year was Layton’s 19th year leading the district, according to the district’s website.

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