Three of East Valley Institute of Technology’s (EVIT) top administrators have been placed on paid administrative leave pending a state investigation, including the principal of the Fountain Hills campus.

At a public meeting on Jan. 17 the EVIT Governing Board made the decision to place Superintendent Dr. Sally Downey, principal Mark Yockus and Fountain Hills principal Craig Pearson on paid administrative leave.

“In light of ongoing investigations and information that we have, the board feels this action is in the best interest of the school district in order to ensure full transparency with the offices of the auditor and attorney general,” reads the statement issued by the EVIT School Board. “We also intend to begin an internal investigation to be by Gust Rosenfeld law firm.”

The board has appointed Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chad Willison to serve as Interim Superintendent, overseeing day to day operations.

At this time, EVIT is not offering further information about the investigation.