The film's original title was "Class of 2001: The Substitute". This is evident when the character of G.D. Ash (Rick Hill) mentions that the incidents at Kennedy High occurred two years ago. Therefore, despite the title, the film is supposed to be set in the year 2001.
In an early conversation between substitute teacher John Bolan and the school principal, the principal states "If President Clinton hadn't been indicted..." Over a year after this film was completed, President Bill Clinton entered a sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, and in 1999 Clinton faced an impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate.