Benjamin Willis (educator)

Benjamin Coppage Willis (December 23, 1901—August 27, 1988) was an educator and school administrator who served as superintendent of various school districts, most notably as superintendent of Chicago Public Schools.

Benjamin Willis
17th Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools
In office
September 1, 1953  August 31, 1966
Preceded byHerold C. Hunt
Succeeded byThaddeus Lubera (interim)
Member of the President's Science Advisory Committee
In office
1962–1966
Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools
In office
1969–1972
Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools
In office
September 1, 1950  September 1, 1953
Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools
In office
July 1, 1947  September 1, 1950
Preceded byWilliam R. Williams
Succeeded byStanley S. Wynstra
Superintendent of Washington County Public Schools
In office
August 1, 1940  July 1, 1947
Preceded byByron J. Grimes
Succeeded byWilliam M. Brish
Superintendent of Schools for Caroline County, Maryland
In office
1934–1940
Preceded byEdward M. Noble
Personal details
BornDecember 23, 1901
Baltimore, Maryland
DiedAugust 27, 1988 (age 86)
Plantation, Florida
Spouse
Rachel Davis Webster
(m. 1925)
Children1
Alma materGeorge Washington University (BA)
University of Maryland (MA)
Columbia University (Ed.D.)

Willis had received praise during his superintendency in several school districts prior to arriving in Chicago. While the first eight years tenure in Chicago were widely praised, the latter five years faced massive controversy, with critics demanding his resignation and accusing him of perpetuating racial segregation in the city's schools.

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