April 22, 2008 — Chances are nearly everyone who’s come in contact with Charles J. Spence over the past 20 years has a great story to tell about the experience. Spence began as the principal at Diamond View School in 1990. In 2003 he became the principal of Meadow View School. For the past five years or so he’s worked as a drivers education instructor though Lassen Community College.

Spence will retire from the Susanville School District in June, but he plans to continue teaching drivers education classes to the county’s young drivers.

According to a press release from Meadow View School, “If any of his former students, co-workers or community members have stories they would like to share, please write them down and submit them to the office at Meadow View School, 1200 Paiute Lane, Susanville, Calif. 96130.

The school plans to collect the stories and present them to Spence at a retirement party.

Susanville School District Superintendent Gary McIntire said he met Spence when he was a school psychologist.

“The door to his school is always open to all comers,” McIntire said. “He wants to do the right things for the kids, and he’s so determined we have an obligation to meet the needs of children. He has tremendous compassion for the kids, and he has one of the quickest minds I’ve encountered over the years.”