Wayne Schools Superintendent Mark Toback To Retire After 10+ Years

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback will retire next August after more than 10 years in the position, district officials announced Thursday.

Toback has had the longest tenure of any superintendent in the district's history and helped Wayne Schools turn around a period of "academic stagnation" and inconsistent leadership, said Board of Education president Don Pavlak.

"Dr. Toback's leadership has been truly remarkable," Pavlak said in a news release. "He arrived at a time of uncertainty and, with unwavering commitment, steered our district toward an era of unprecedented achievement. His vision has profoundly impacted our schools, our students, and our community."

Wayne Schools had a number of superintendents serve short terms in the years before Toback arrived in 2014, including several interim superintendents. The board praised his forward-thinking approach to solving challenges and noted that his one-to-one computer initiative allowed the district to "seamlessly navigate" online learning for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Dr. Toback's impact extends beyond the classroom," the board said in their statement. "He has been a tireless advocate for the well-being of students and staff alike, fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment. His commitment to fiscal responsibility has ensured the wise allocation of resources, enabling facility upgrades and the creation of modern learning spaces. Furthermore, his focus on district goals, including those centered on special education, post-secondary success, and family engagement, underscores his dedication to the entire Wayne community."

Toback's contract, which was renewed last year, goes until 2027. The Board of Education did not immediately provide details about when a search for his replacement will begin.

Before coming to Wayne Township, Toback was the superintendent for three years at Hoboken Public Schools and spent five years as the chief school administrator at Sussex County Technical School in Sparta.