William J. Bogan

William J. Bogan (October 26, 1870 – March 24, 1936) was an American educator and administrator who served as the superintendent of Chicago Public Schools from 1928 until his death in March 1936. During his time as superintendent, he was regarded as one of the most prominent educators in the United States.

Early life Bogan was born October 26, 1870, in Mackinac Island, Michigan. He grew up there, attending elementary school and high school there. In 1900, he became principal of the elementary school.

At one point, Bogan was additionally the superintendent of the Chicago Athenaeum, which was a hybrid business college and high school.

On April 18, 1924, Bogan was appointed to the position of first assistant superintendent of Chicago Public School, serving under Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools William McAndrew. Bogan was assigned purview over public colleges, high schools, and night schools. At the time he was appointed, the NCWC News Service (a Catholic news wire based in the United States) referred to Bogan, a Catholic, as, "one of the best known Catholic lay educators in the country."

On June 27, 1928, the Chicago Board of Education elected Bogan (who was still been serving as "acting" superintendent) as the new permanent superintendent of Chicago Public Schools.

During his superintendency, The New York Times would write that Bogan was, "recognized as one of the foremost educators in the country."

Bogan lead the Chicago Public Schools through many years of the Great Depression.

In October 1932, a powder bomb was set off in front Bogan's home. The bomb left little damage, was believed to have been set up by racketeers seeking to organize small businesses against the cafeterias that were being operated in the city's middle and high schools.

Death Bogan died at the age of 65 on March 24, 1936. The library at Lane Tech High School, where Bogan served as the longtime principal, was dedicated to him.

Chicago's Richard J. Daley College was formerly named " William J. Bogan Junior College".

Personal life Bogan and his wife, Elizabeth Shelley Bogan, had two daughters and a son. Bogan was Catholic.