Some called him ‘Crazy Joe,’ others called him a hero.

The famed American educator will be remembered not only for his efforts to impose order on his inner-city high school, but also for his impact on the conversation around education in America.

In the 1980s, Joe Clark was the principal of Eastside High in Paterson, N.J., a school where drug use and crime were rampant. The former Army Reserve sergeant and drill instructor didn’t play when it came to how he ran things at his school.

During his tenure, he expelled 300 students for misconduct and laid down the law for the rest of them, NPR reports. His style earned him national headlines, and was considered controversial. Some called it too aggressive. Yet, his positive results were praised, even by his critics.

“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,” said Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, who is also a Paterson native.

During his time at Eastside, moral and motivation increased. The White House even made Clark a job offer in 1988, but he turned it down to stay at Eastside. He knew that’s where he belonged.

Many students and educators have opened up about the ways he was an inspiration, especially for people who were frustrated by the system that kept many failing schools from reforming.

“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,” said Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, who also coached football at the school.

His legacy inspired the 1989 film, “Lean on Me,” starring Morgan Freeman as Joe Clark, which highlighted his tough-as-nails approach. The film also highlighted his commitment to students and why he is still viewed as an urban hero.

Clark’s family says he passed away at his home in Gainesville, F.L., after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. He was surrounded by his family members.

He was 82.