The Henry County School Board closed
Spencer-Penn Elementary at the end of June, 2004 as
part of the process of consolidation of schools in the
county. For the first time since Spencer-Penn opened
in 1927 students were no longer being educated in the
building.
In response to concerns from members of the
community, alumni, and former students, the Spencer-
Penn School Preservation Organization formed in
August, 2004, to obtain the property and develop plans
for the use of the site for the service of the community.
A strong core of interested people began meeting
regularly at the Spencer Ruritan Building and within a
few weeks had become an organized group which
moved quickly to take necessary steps to meet its
goals. The SPSPO became incorporated and
developed a mission statement and bylaws, as well as
electing officers and directors.
In November, 2004, the purchase of the
property, including the main school building, an
adjacent cottage, and approximately 8 acres of land
was finalized. Immediately committees were formed
from the members of the organization to begin
renovating the buildings, develop plans for marketing
its use, raise funds for the restoration, and plan the use
and upkeep of the grounds. Application for placement
of the buildings on the Historic Landmarks Register
was made and, as of March 16, 2005, Spencer-Penn
School was accepted for placement on the Virginia
Register of Historic Landmarks with acceptance for the
Federal Register anticipated later this spring. We have obtained federal tax exemption (5-1c3) status as a non-profit organization
as well as 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 organization continues to meet the second
Monday of each month to address ongoing concerns
and plans. The most recent decisions included
finalizing the names for the Spencer-Penn Centre and
The Chalkboard. Applying for grant funding and
soliciting donations has begun. Current plans for activities to raise funds and to serve the community are detailed in this newsletter.
Additional members in SPSPO are always welcome
and a membership form is included on the Membership link.
Organization
P.O. Box 506
Spencer, VA 24165
spspo04@yahoo.com
Officers
President--Mary Jordan
Vice-President--David Draper
Secretary--Lillian Holland
Treasurer--Linda Barnes
Directors
Harrison Toms
Rose Hylton
J. E. Pigg
BIOS page1
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on second Monday of January, April, July & October
7:00 p.m.
You're invited to join us!
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