Lean on Me

In 1967, Joe Clark, an African-American history teacher, is introduced at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey. His dedication to his students is apparent, but tensions rise when he learns about a union meeting that excludes him and his colleague, Frank Napier.

Fast forward to 1987, Eastside High has fallen into chaos, with only 38% of students passing a mandatory skills test. The newly appointed Superintendent, Dr. Frank Napier, approaches Mayor Don Bottman about reinstating Joe Clark as principal to turn the school around.

Despite his initial reluctance, Joe Clark is persuaded by Frank Napier to take the principal role at Eastside High. Frank believes that this is Joe's chance to make a significant difference in the lives of the troubled students.

On his first day, Joe demonstrates his strong leadership style by quickly addressing the department heads and demanding a list of troublemakers. He expels 300 students during a school assembly, asserting his authority and setting the tone for his tenure.

That night, parents meet to discuss Joe's drastic measures. Leona Barrett, a community activist, accuses him of mishandling the education of deserving students, but Joe remains firm in his belief that tough love is necessary for reform.

The next morning, Joe confronts Thomas Sams, one of the expelled students. After dragging him to the rooftop and scaring him about drug use, Joe reluctantly allows him another chance at redemption, promising to monitor his behavior closely.

To improve the school's environment, Joe orders the walls to be repainted and the lunchroom secured. He humiliates troublemakers and demands they learn the school song, emphasizing his vision for a disciplined school culture.

After administering a practice exam, Joe discovers that only 33% of students passed. He addresses the entire staff, declaring the students' failure as a collective responsibility and insists on initiating a peer-tutoring program to boost academic performance.

As Joe's unorthodox methods garner attention, Leona Barrett, now on the Board of Education, seeks to have him fired. This conflict escalates as she conspires with Mayor Bottman to force Joe out, despite the rising success of the students.

On the day of the basic skills test, Joe delivers an inspiring speech to motivate the students. As tensions rise from Barrett's interference, the students band together to support their principal, demonstrating the strong bond formed under Joe's leadership.

After the test, Joe is arrested for chaining off fire exits in an effort to improve school safety. His arrest is met with protests from students who believe in the positive changes he has inspired within their school.

Following Joe's arrest, students gather outside City Hall to protest. They refuse to leave, highlighting their unity and determination to support their principal, while Leona Barrett attempts to dissuade them with a megaphone.

In a moment of triumph, Joe announces to the protesting students that Eastside has passed the basic skills test. This victory secures his position as principal and turns the tide against Barrett's efforts to have him removed.

In the final scenes, Joe proudly shakes hands with his students as they accept their diplomas at graduation. This moment symbolizes the success of his efforts and the positive transformation of Eastside High.