Joe Clark, Bat-Wielding NJ Principal, Inspired 'Lean On Me,' Dies

PATERSON – Joe Clark, the former bat-wielding Paterson principal who was the inspiration for the film "Lean on Me," has died, according to Paterson officials. He was 82.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh confirmed the news, saying: "This is a sad day for our city. Joe Clark spoke strongly and carried a big stick. My condolences to his family, students, and everyone he inspired. May he rest in peace."

Gov. Phil Murphy also paid tribute.

Clark was the controversial principal of Eastside High School during the 1980s who expelled 300 students for fighting, vandalism, abusing teachers and drug possession, according to News12.

Clark said that students who were tossed out were “unproductive” adults — 18, 19, and 20 years old, describing them as “grown men and women that the system failed” by not providing alternative education for people who could not function in a traditional setting, according to The Paterson Times.

Clark’s hardline approach irked the school board which drew up insubordination charges that were later dropped, and he was ordered suspended in 1989 for allegedly arranging strippers to perform at a school assembly, according to The Paterson Times.

Clark, who also carried a bullhorn, was offered a White House policy adviser position by President Ronald Reagan before he retired from Eastside High School in 1989, according to News12.

He died in Florida after a long illness.

Assembly Democrats Shavonda Sumter and Benjie Wimberly, both D- Bergen, Passaic, released the following statements:

Sumter: “Joe Clark’s educational methods have been called unconventional, unorthodox and uncompromising; but his commitment to his students and legacy at Eastside cannot be challenged. Joe Clark dared students to dream as they never had before. He demanded they raise their expectations of what they could accomplish, and in turn academic performance began to exceed expectations. His influence undoubtedly set countless students on a path to success.”

Wimberly: “As a teacher and coach at Eastside High School from 1989 to 1998, I saw firsthand the impact of Joe Clark’s legacy on students in Paterson. He challenged every student to reach their fullest potential and to strive for a future they could be proud of. His unwavering belief in them made them believe in themselves. He accomplished what every educator sets out to do: make a difference in the lives of the young people who’ll shape our future. It was an honor to be a part of the community he helped build.”