Lawrence W. Passow, Class of 1947

In 1953 Lawrence came to District 84, Franklin Park School District, as a teacher after earning a bachelor’s degree William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia and serving for two years with the Army Counter Intelligence Corps.  He did advanced study at the University of Chicago, Northern Illinois University, and National College of Education earning a master's degree in education.

After four years in the classroom, Lawrence was named principal of East School where he remained for eight years until he became  assistant superintendent in 1965. In 1969 he was instrumental in designing the West School building which now bears his name. He also helped design the Hester Junior High School addition.

In May of 1973 Lawrence was appointed Superintendent of Schools. In his thirty—six year tenure in District 84, Superintendent Passow expressed great confidence in the children of Franklin Park as they advanced toward responsible citizenship.  He believed that the youth of cities such as Franklin Park will determine this country’s future.

The board of education authorized the establishment of the Lawrence W. Passow Fine Arts Fund to provide fine arts experiences extending beyond the regular curriculum for pupils in the Franklin Park Public Schools.

Superintendent Passow retired in 1989.