Recently a commentator at Sbynews asked who Joe Clark was,in reference to the post about a sheriffs deputy being assaulted in a local school after breaking up a fight amongst pupils.Then today I am flipping channels and "Lean on Me",the 1989 film starring Morgan Freeman as Joe Clark is on BET this afternoon.While the movie is GREAT,there is more to the story.
President Reagan was so impressed with Joe Clark's no nonsense methods he offered him a post as an educational policy advisor,Mr.Clark declined the offer.
Under Clarks leadership,Eastside High in Paterson,NJ,transformed from a failing school facing an imminent state takeover into a campus that was declared by the NJ Governor to be one of the states model schools.
He expelled 300 students in his first week as Principal,for a number of offenses.Vandalism,assaults,drugs,etc.He was the captain and if you did not follow his rules,you got off his ship.By eliminating the source of all the problems plaguing the school,the students with potential and a desire to learn could excel.After seven years at Eastside,he became Director of Essex County Detention House,a juvenile correctional facility in NJ.He continues to speak at public engagements and has authored a book,"Laying down the law".
If you want to know more,the movie is a good place to start.
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