[2][7] Amid the political turbulence of 1873, Lane lost reelection, and left office as superintendent.

[2][8][7] In the interregnum between his terms as county superintendent, Lane worked as a cashier at the Preston, Kean & Co's bank.

In this role, Lane was a key player in bringing in Francis Wayland Parker to lead the Cook County Normal School.

[2][7] In December 1891, Lane began what became be a seven-year tenure as superintendent of Chicago Public Schools.

[2] Lane found his tenure challenging, with city politicians regularly interfering with school affairs.

[2] Having been in failing health for an extended period of time, Lane died at the age of 65 on August 22, 1906, at his Chicago residence.

[5][7] His death was attributed to nervous prostration, which was exacerbated by intense heat that the city was experiencing.

Lane Tech College Prep High School, named for Lane, was founded to fulfill his vision of a large high school that would be dedicated to both providing students with hands-on experience in technical education and improving their academics.