Working behind the scenes, you may see TFS’s Safety and Security Director, Jeff Wacenske, creating a safe environment where everyone thrives. Mr. Wacenske joined TFS as a staff member in early 2024, but he’s long been a part of our community as a parent and spouse of school counselor Laureen Wacenske. 

Before joining TFS, Mr. Wacenske served as a school security director for over eight years and spent 30 years with the Raleigh Police Department, retiring as the rank of Lieutenant. During his police career, he served on the SWAT team, Internal Affairs, and the Inspections Unit, all experiences that now help shape his thoughtful, proactive approach to campus safety. He attended Lenior Rhyne University, where he also met Mrs. Wacenske. 

When asked what he loves most about his job, his answer comes easily: “The kids! They bring such joy and happiness to school, and that makes being at TFS such a rewarding experience.”

Working at TFS, Mr. Wacenske says, is deeply meaningful. “It’s the opportunity to guide students, in a Christ-like way, that will leave a life-long impression.” 

A typical day for Mr. Wacenske includes helping with safety patrol during morning drop-off, attending morning prayer or Wednesday Mass, walking the campuses of both TFS and the preschool, serving on middle school lunch duty, eating lunch with the students most days, completing administrative tasks and answering emails, and assisting staff during afternoon pick-up. But his favorite part of each day is his interactions with the students. 

One of the challenges he enjoys most is getting to know each student by name. “Learning their names is important to me,” he says. “Students are more inclined to share things about their life experiences when they realize you know who they are.”

Mr. Wacenske expresses great gratitude for the strong leadership of TFS and St. Francis of Assisi. For over a year, he’s worked to develop new emergency operations and reunification plans for TFS and the preschool, which are incredibly important tools for preparing for any critical incident. 

“Both schools are very special learning environments,” Mr. Wacenske shares. “Credit goes to the faculty for creating this type of environment. I am so pleased to be part of this community and grateful to serve as their Safety and Security Director!”