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Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation

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About Us

Experience education like never before.  Your journey starts here!

Spencer-Owen Community Schools is a place where learning truly comes to life! With a strong focus on career education and real-world experiences, students gain hands-on skills that prepare them for success beyond the classroom. From internships to a state-recognized, student-run business, S-OCS gives every student the chance to explore their passions and build a bright future.

What really makes Spencer-Owen special, though, is its family atmosphere and strong school spirit. Dedicated, excellent instructors go above and beyond to support each student’s goals, while a wide range of extra-curricular activities helps them grow, connect, and have fun. At S-OCS, personal responsibility, teamwork, and pride come together, making it a truly amazing place to learn, lead, and belong!

 

group of students


Inclusivity

We prioritize inclusivity by actively promoting a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

What Makes Us Special?

Why S-OCS?

Our mission is to support and equip students, teachers, and parents by providing amazing Pre-K through Grade 12 academic resources based upon traditional values.

  • Academic Excellence
    We are dedicated to providing a rigorous and comprehensive educational experience that challenges and nurtures the intellect of every student.
  • Future Readiness
    We embrace innovation as a catalyst for educational excellence and future readiness. We believe that ALL students will be Enrolled, Employed, or Enlisted upon graduation from OVHS.
  • Real World Experiences
    We are committed to providing hands-on, real-world instruction in our classrooms through our daily lessons, clubs, special programs, internships, and extra-curricular activities.

District Profile

At a Glance

We’re not like every other K-12 school district. See what makes us great.
 

  • 15
    Varsity Sports
  • 2,172
    Enrolled Students
  • 99%
    Average graduation rate
  • 16:1
    Student to Teacher ratio

S-OCS School Board of Trustees

In accordance with Indiana Public Law 1167, all S-OCS

School Board meetings will be held both in person and live-streamed:

 

Education Center - Wells Board Room, Spencer

7:00 PM

YouTube Channel:  www.youtube.com/@socsschoolboard

 

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  • Derek Morgan has served on the School Board since 2021. He has been a resident of Owen County since 2016. Derek and his wife, Amy, reside in Spencer. He is a member of the Spencer Exchange Club and serves on the Owen County Redevelopment Commission.  Derek is employed as the Assistant Director of  Board Services at Indiana School Boards Association.

  • Deana Stickels began serving on the Board in January 2025. She is a retired inclusion teacher from S-OCS. Deana has been an Owen County resident for 59 years and graduated from OVHS in 1976. She and her husband, Steve, have been married since 1978 and have 3 children and 9 grandchildren who all attend Spencer-Owen Schools.

  • Rick Smeltzer has served on the Board since 2005. He retired from NWSC Crane where he worked as an engineer. Rick is a 59-year resident of Owen County. He and his wife, Anna, have been married 44 years and have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. He is a member of the Freedom Church of the Nazarene.

  • Lizz Bixler started her time on the Board in 2023. Lizz and her husband, Matthew, have 5 children who all attend Spencer-Owen Community Schools. She has lived in Owen County with her family the past 4 years and they are members of the Owen Valley Christian Fellowship church.

  • Chad Cooper has served on the Board since 2017. He works for Farm Credit Mid-America as a Crop Insurance Specialist. Chad is a lifelong NE Owen County resident. He and his wife, Afton, have been married since 2010 and have 3 children: Zane, Rowan, and Wade. He is a member of the Gosport United Methodist Church.

  • Mark has served on the School Board since 2021. He retired as the President & CEO of the Owen County Community Foundation. Mark has been an Owen County resident for the past 24 years. He and his wife, Pennie, have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. Mark is a member of the Spencer Exchange Club, Spencer Lions Club, Friends of MYPath, Owen County Public Defender Board, Owen County YMCA Board of Directors, and Vandalia Community Preservations.

  • Jack has served on the Board since 2010. He works as the Owen County Emergency Director. He and his wife, Deanna, have been married for 31 years and have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Jack has been a member of the Owen County Rescue Team for ~40 years. He retired from the OV Fire Department after 35 years. He attends the Methodist Church in Freedom, Indiana.