Actress Beverly Todd (1946)

Lean on Me (1989), a biographical drama directed by John G. Avildsen, tells the story of Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey. By 1987, the school had fallen into disarray as drug abuse and crime ran rampant. Students struggled to pass basic skills tests and even teachers were not safe from gang violence. After Mayor Bottman learns that state administration will take over the school unless at least 75% of students pass the minimum basic skills test, he turns to Dr. Frank Napier for advice. The superintendent suggests hiring Joe Clark, a former teacher at Eastside High who was transferred years ago, as the new ...