Jack D. Graybeal

Educator/Administrator

Jack Graybeal was best known for being principal at William Penn from 1972 to 1982, and then assistant superintendent of Colonial School District through 1989. He began teaching at the original William Penn building in 1957, and subsequently at the current landmark. It was in those early days at Colonial where Jack met Sharon McClung, a fellow English teacher, and later married her in 1958. Jack and Sharon raised two daughters, Suzanne and Mary Beth, at their home in Llangollen Estates.

In 1966, Jack was promoted from teacher to assistant principal at William Penn, and later became principal in 1972. He was well known for being a key negotiator and for navigating the school through the challenges of desegregation and busing. During his career at William Penn, Jack also served on a number of committees both inside and outside the district. He was national coordinator and former president of the Delaware Association of Secondary School Principals. He also served on the board of directors for the Delaware Association of School Administrators.

In 1982, after 25 years with William Penn, Jack was promoted to assistant superintendent of the Colonial School District. While continuing to serve local schools, he was also involved as a school evaluator with Research for Better Schools. This afforded him the opportunity to travel and evaluate schools inside and outside of the Mid-Atlantic region, including Puerto Rico. He enjoyed a good working vacation. Jack was also a founding member of the Northeast Alliance of Ministers, Businesses and Agencies, which later established the Jack Graybeal Award for Educational Service, in memoriam, for outstanding contributors to education.

Jack’s career with Colonial ended on a sad note. He took an early retirement in 1989, but was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He battled the disease for four years while spending as much quality time with family as possible. He also continued contributing to education by doing some teaching at Wilmington College (now Wilmington University).

Jack knew he made a positive impact on many lives as evidenced in the huge outpouring of support, cards, letters and visitors during his illness. He passed away peacefully at home with family in 1993. Again, his fans turned out in droves for the memorial service. His family was and still is comforted by the seemingly endless accolades from those who knew him and whose lives were affected by his leadership.His influence and legacy live on today.