'He Made Us Better': Wayne Valley HS Mourns Death Of Beloved Principal

WAYNE, NJ — Beloved Wayne Valley High School principal Ken Palczewski has died, the district announced Thursday. He was 58.

Palczewski, who had spent more than 30 years as an educator, became Valley's principal at the start of the 2013-2014 school year after serving as assistant principal at Wayne Hills for five years. Before that, he was a dean of students at Hills and at Schuyler-Colfax Middle School.

The Board of Education had just approved his retirement, which was scheduled for May 1, according to district records. Palczewski had been fighting cancer for the past nine months, according to his obituary with Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home.

Officials remembered Palczewski as a pillar of the community and a well-respected leader who cared deeply about student growth and academic excellence.

"Those who knew him beyond the office doors will remember his warm smile, quick wit, and deep love for his family," district leaders said in a statement.

District Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback said Palczewski was "more than just a principal — he was the heart of Wayne Valley."

"Ken made everyone feel seen and heard," Toback said. "Whether it was a student in need or a teacher looking for support, he always had time. He made us better — not just as educators, but as people."

Palczewski is survived by his wife Maureen, who is also a Wayne Schools employee, and their two children Peter and Brenna.

"Outside of school, Ken was a devoted husband, father, and friend," the district said. "He often spoke with pride about his children, sharing their milestones with the same joy he celebrated student achievements."

District officials extended their condolences to Palczewski's family "and all who knew and loved him."

Don Pavlak, president of the Wayne Township Board of Education, also shared his remembrance of Palczewski and extended his sympathies to his family.

"While Ken was a big man in stature, he was one of the kindest and most gentle individuals I have ever known," Pavlak said. "He loved his students and staff deeply and was endlessly generous with his time, his support, and his words. He always had something positive to say about others and approached each day with warmth and genuine care for the people around him."

Township Mayor Chris Vergano asked community members to keep the Palczewski family in their thoughts and prayers.

"Very sad news today," Vergano said on Thursday in a social media post. "I had the privilege of knowing Ken for many years and was proud to call him a friend."

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 at the funeral home (567 Ratzer Road, Wayne).

A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16 at Our Lady of Consolation Roman Catholic Church (1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne). Services will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Palczewski will be buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, per his obituary.

In lieu of flowers, his family has set up a scholarship fund in his memory. Contributions may be sent to:

Ken Palczewski Scholarship Fund

c/o Lucy Couso

Wayne Valley High School

551 Valley Road

Wayne, NJ 07470

Checks should be made out to the Ken Palczewski Scholarship Fund.