Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation

Patriot Track & Field (Aerial View)

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

Meeting Link: S-OCS YouTube Channel

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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.