Celebration of life to be held at Solana Vista School in memory of longtime principal

Longtime Solana Beach School District principal Stephen Ludwiczak passed away in Carlsbad on Dec. 27, 2023 at the age of 80. Ludwiczak spent more than 40 years working in the district and last served as principal of Solana Vista before his retirement in 2005.

At the March Solana Beach School District board meeting, President Debra Schade acknowledged Ludwiczak’s passing, noting that he was principal when her children attended Solana Vista years ago.

“He holds a social place in a lot of people in our district’s hearts,” she said.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Solana Vista on Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. The community is invited to attend and is encouraged to wear bright colors in honor of Ludwiczak’s whimsical spirit.

In his 40 years in Solana Beach, Ludwiczak was a dedicated educator and administrator. He started out as a fifth grade teacher and then became principal at Central School. Central, which was open from 1925 through the 1970s, was the first school in Solana Beach and now serves as the district office.

From Central, Ludwiczak went on to serve as principal at Skyline and then Solana Vista School.

Ludwiczak left his mark on Solana Vista—he was a part of the design committee before the school opened in 1972 and when he became principal, the Waves mascot was created under his leadership. A colorful tile wall mural was dedicated to him and was carefully transferred to the new campus when it opened in 2021. Before the school was demolished, Ludwiczak wrote a history of Solana Vista that was included in the 2019-20 yearbook.

According to his obituary, he is fondly remembered for his creative, funny and joyful approach to teaching and learning, and for the costumes he enjoyed wearing to entertain his students.

Caroline Brown, the district’s former executive director of capitol programs, was fortunate to have Ludwiczak as her fifth grade teacher— years later in 1980, he would hire her at the district.

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“Mr. Ludwiczak was a truly remarkable individual who made a significant impact on the lives of many people in the Solana Beach community. His dedication to education and leadership, as well as his role as a supportive friend, mentor, and colleague to many, undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those who knew him,” Brown said. “His legacy will be one that continues inspiring us to grow and to make positive contributions in our communities. Mr. Ludwiczak, his friendship, leadership example, and his iconic VW van will be missed.”

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Donations in Ludwiczak’s name may be made to the Solana Beach Schools Foundation at solanabeachkids.org and to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society chumanesociety.org/donate. For more information on the April 13 memorial, email ludwiczakhome@gmail.com.