Eastside High School

Paterson event kicks off new book about legendary Eastside High School principal Joe Clark

Paterson event kicks off new book about legendary Eastside High School principal Joe Clark

by Matt Fagan PATERSON — Everyone who came into contact with Joe Clark, the no-nonsense, unconventional and legendary Eastside High School principal, had a strong opinion of him, good and bad. Clark, who died in December 2020, was notorious for carrying a baseball bat and bullhorn as he roamed the halls of the high school.

Legendary N.J. principal Joe Clark, who inspired ‘Lean on Me,’ dies at 82

Legendary N.J. principal Joe Clark, who inspired ‘Lean on Me,’ dies at 82

By Chris Sheldon | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Joe Louis Clark, the former bat-wielding principal of Paterson’s Eastside High School whose strict disciplinary methods inspired the 1989 film “Lean On Me,” died Tuesday at the age of 82, his family said. Clark, a longtime resident of South Orange, retired to Gainesville, Florida, died surrounded