Preliminary investigation into accusations against Northwestern superintendent complete

No illegal or immoral actions were taken by the Northwestern Local School District's superintendent, who was placed on administrative leave April 11 based on allegations of "alleged conduct."

The district on Thursday released a preliminary finding from its investigation of Superintendent Jeffrey Layton.

The statement released from the office of Julie McCumber, acting superintendent, said an independent investigator was appointed "to examine allegations of unprofessional conduct towards employees" by Layton. "At present, there is no evidence of any illegal or immoral behavior."

Allegations relate to conduct impacting morale, job performance

The allegations relate to conduct that can "impact employee morale and the performance of their job responsibilities," the release said.

The release further stated the board is "committed to a fair and thorough investigative process," while encouraging the community "to refrain from speculation." The purpose of the investigation is to "determine the validity of the allegations."

No decisions have been made, according to the release.

On the agenda of the Northwestern District's April 15 regular board meeting was a resolution to hire the law firm of Gingo & Bair Law "to conduct a neutral independent investigation of allegations pertaining to one or more administrators."

When Layton was placed on administrative leave following the April 11 special board meeting, McCumber, the director of curriculum and personnel, was named as acting superintendent.

Layton is working from home with pay on "non-statutory duties as approved by the board president during his regularly scheduled work day."

Contacted by email, Layton said he had no statement to make at this time.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: No evidence of illegal, immoral actions by Northwestern superintendent