One probe ends, another ongoing at Layton High

While the investigation of a former Layton High School choir director's relationship with a student is over, Davis School District officials continue an unrelated look into the school's finances.

Joseph Everton, 62, has been on paid administrative leave since early October due to allegations he had a relationship with a student, according to district officials. He announced his retirement Dec. 1.

Everton allegedly had a relationship with a then 17-year-old female student. The girl graduated last spring and married Everton in September, according to police reports.

A police investigation in October found Everton's actions were not criminal. No charges were filed.

District officials have discontinued Everton's paid leave along with its investigation. "Because of his retirement, the case is closed, the district investigation is over and we move forward," said Davis District spokesman Chris Williams.

A substitute teacher has been handling Everton's choir director duties. The district posted the job opening on its Web site Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Layton High's Principal Paul C. Smith has been on paid administrative leave since Oct. 12.

Smith said district officials told the leave is standard procedure during a financial audit. He also told the Deseret News in October he hasn't "done anything wrong." When contacted this week, Smith said he stands by that statement but declined to comment further.

Layton High's head secretary retired Oct. 12 but district officials won't say whether her retiring that day has anything to do with the school's finances, whether it is connected to the principal being placed on leave or whether her retirement had already been planned.

Assistant principal Muriel Mann is serving as interim principal. The school is hiring a new head secretary.

Details on the district's investigations are not made public in order to protect employees' rights, according to district officials.

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