SPSPO

The Spencer-Penn School Preservation Organization (SPSPO) formed after the Henry County School Board closed Spencer-Penn Elementary in June 2004, as part of an ongoing consolidation of schools in the county. Since Spencer-Penn first opened, as a high school, in 1927, it had served the small rural community of Spencer in many ways; its closing left the area not only without any nearby school for children of any age, it also eliminated the central facility in the community's social and civic life.

With an eye toward filling this void, a group of concerned citizens, many of them former students and teachers, established the SPSPO in August 2004 to obtain the property and develop plans to extend the school's useful life as part of the community. They began meeting regularly at the Spencer Ruritan Club, and within a few weeks had become a purposeful group that moved quickly to meet its goals.

The SPSPO incorporated, developed a mission statement and bylaws, and elected officers and directors. By November 2004, the group had closed on the purchase of the property—which included the main school building, an adjacent cottage, and approximately 8 acres of land—and formed committees to begin renovation, develop marketing plans, and raise funds for the restoration and maintenance of the property. The SPSPO also won the buildings a position on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, gained status as a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation, and effected changes in local zoning designation. The expertise and experience of various members of the organization proved invaluable in meeting the many requirements to get the project started.

The SPSPO now oversees what the old school has been transformed into, the Spencer-Penn Centre, which has emerged as a thriving community resource while at the same time standing as a tribute to the remarkable volunteer spirit of the people of Spencer. The anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world.” Overstatement? Perhaps. But the Spencer-Penn Centre is a fine example that they can certainly change a little piece of it.

Officers

Jim Purcell, President

Stephanie Vipperman, Vice-President

Shirley Flippin, Secretary

Linda Barnes, Treasurer

Directors

David Bowles

Rose Hylton

Harrison Toms

Board meetings are held on the second Monday of January, April, July and October at 7:00pm. You're invited to join us!