Crestwood Principal Resigns Citing Personal and Family Health Matters

Jayson Leach steps down from high school leadership role amid ongoing district investigation.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Jayson Leach, the principal of Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, has resigned from his position due to "personal and family health matters that require his full attention at this time." The resignation comes amid an ongoing investigation by the state Office of Inspector General into the Sumter School District, including a construction project at Crestwood High that has seen its budget balloon from an initial $3.5 million estimate to over $10 million.

Why it matters

The resignation of the Crestwood High principal raises questions about the leadership and oversight within the Sumter School District, especially as the Inspector General's probe continues. The high cost overruns on the construction project have also drawn scrutiny to the district's financial management practices.

The details

Leach, who was brought to the district in 2022 by former Superintendent William Wright Jr., submitted his resignation on February 12th. District officials stated his departure is not connected to the ongoing Inspector General investigation. In the interim, other Crestwood administrators are handling the principal's responsibilities until a replacement is found through the interview process.

  • Leach resigned from his position on February 12, 2026.
  • The Inspector General probe into the Sumter School District began in June 2025, nine months ago.
  • A final report from the Inspector General's office is expected to be released soon.

The players

Jayson Leach

The former principal of Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, who resigned from his position due to personal and family health matters.

Shelly Galloway

The executive director of communication and civic engagement for the Sumter School District, who provided a statement on Leach's resignation.

William Wright Jr.

The former superintendent of the Sumter School District, who brought Leach to the district from Hertford County Schools in North Carolina in 2022.

Sumter School District

The school district in Sumter, South Carolina, that is currently under investigation by the state Office of Inspector General.

Office of Inspector General

The state agency conducting an investigation into the Sumter School District, including a construction project at Crestwood High School.

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What they’re saying

“Leach decided to resign from his position on Feb. 12 "due to personal and family health matters that require his full attention at this time.”

— Shelly Galloway, Executive Director of Communication and Civic Engagement, Sumter School District (theitem.com)

What’s next

The Sumter School District is currently searching for a new principal for Crestwood High School, with interviews for the position not yet begun. The final report from the state Office of Inspector General's investigation into the district is expected to be released soon.

The takeaway

The resignation of the Crestwood High principal amid an ongoing investigation into the Sumter School District raises concerns about the leadership and oversight within the district. The significant cost overruns on a construction project at the high school have also drawn scrutiny to the district's financial management practices, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability in how taxpayer funds are being utilized.