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.
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.
Early life and education
Willis was born December 23, 1901, on a farm in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents were Clarence Milton Coppage and Elizabeth Estelle Coppage ().
He studied at St John's College in Maryland. He received his Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University in 1922. He would later receive a Master of Arts degree from University of Maryland in 1926 Doctor of Education from Columbia University in 1950. Additionally, 1933, he attended Johns Hopkins University, taking additional coursework on school administration.
Early career
Willis began his career as a teacher and principal of a four-room schoolhouse in Henderson, Maryland in 1922 and 1923. From 1923 through 1927, he served as a principal in Federalsburg, Maryland, working at both its elementary school and high school during this time. From 1927 through 1931, he served as principal of Caroline High School in Denton, Maryland. He served as principal of Sparrows Point High School. From 1932 through 1934, he served as a principal in Cantonsville High School.
Superintendent of schools for Caroline County
From 1934 through 1940, he served as school superintendent for Caroline County, Maryland. He had been appointed in late May 1934.
Superintendent of Washington County Public Schools
From 1940 through 1947, he served as school superintendent for Washington County Public Schools in Washington County, Maryland. The county's board of education formally appointed him on June 11, 1940, slating him to take office on August 1, 1940. He departed this position in July 1947 in order to become superintendent in Yonkers, New York.
His tenure here, together with his previous stint as superintendent in Caroline County, helped to earn him a reputation as a leader in the field of education.
While he departed with praise, expenditures he and the school board had made would be negatively scrutinized after his departure. They were accused of paying for projects without approval of the county commissioners.
Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools
On July 1, 1947, Willis became superintendent Yonkers Public Schools, a position he held until September 1, 1950. Upon his resignation, his tenure was lauded by the Yonkers Teachers Association.
Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools
On September 1, 1950, Willis left his position as superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools and assumed the position of superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, a position he held until 1953. He had been formally hired on May 10, 1950.
In 1953, he gave his support to efforts by the Board of Regents of the New York State Education Department to create educational television channels. He gave his support amid these efforts having faced negative allegations that the channels would be used for propaganda, mind control, and would function as state media.
He took an unpopular position in reorganizing the city's schools by proposing the closure of two long-standing high schools, and the repurposing of their structures. Despite many residents' dislike of this proposal, the local Urban League supported it, and it was ultimately implemented.
Willis was given high regard during his stint in Buffalo, and his tenure was seen as successful.
Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools
In 1953, he was appointed superintendent of Chicago Public Schools. He left Buffalo for his new job in Chicago, starting on September 1, 1953, and becoming the highest-paid educator in the United States. His salary was so high that, in 1963, the only public official in the United States with a higher salary was the president of the United States.
For his first eight years in the job, despite encountering some problems related to the growth of school system, Willis received strong public support. His actions drew praise. During the earlier part of his tenure, Willis was among the most celebrated school superintendents of the time, and was hailed in both local and national media for modeling efficiency and competence. This created a positive image for the school district.