OROVILLE — Bill Spalding (1930-2015) is being honored posthumously with induction into the Oroville Union High School District 2024 Hall of Fame for his 30 years of service to the district’s high schools, students and staff.
Before coming to Oroville, Spalding was drafted into the United States Army and assigned to Leadership School for non-commissioned officers. He graduated first in his class and was promoted to corporal. He was then assigned to Officer Candidate School and in a class of 106 students, ranked No. 32 and was commissioned a first lieutenant. He served in the Korean War and taught weapons and armored division tactics classes. He was awarded the bronze and silver stars.
Bill Spalding (Contributed by Oroville Union High School District)
Spalding’s teaching career started at Fort Hood, Texas where he taught Adaptation to the Army Way of Life, Rules of Land Warfare, History of the Army, The Caliber .45 pistol, The M-1 rifle and the .30 caliber air-cooled machine gun.
Following his service, Spalding earned his bachelor and master’s degrees at Chico State where he also taught drafting before embarking on his public school career in Oroville.
Spalding’s career with the OUHSD began in 1961 when he was hired as a teacher. Over the next 13 years he taught math, physical geography, government, general science, electricity, electronics, general metals, welding, auto mechanics, drafting, arts and crafts, English and general science at both Oroville and Las Plumas high schools. For 10 of those years he also served as Industrial Arts Department chairman at LPHS.
In 1974, Spalding was appointed assistant principal at LPHS where he stayed until his retirement in 1991. As assistant principal he oversaw student discipline and over the years where his innate understanding of and affection for teenagers provided steady guidance and positive motivation for students. His ability to diffuse even the most difficult situations among students with his affable presence and quick smile earned him the affectionate moniker “Yogi” among staff and students.
In addition to his duties as vice principal, Spalding used his extensive building skills to remodel classrooms at OHS and LPHS to meet earthquake standards. He also earthquake-proofed the girls’ gymnasium at OHS and employed his backhoe operator skills to create access to the upper level of the campus. He also installed dust collection systems for the woodshops at both OHS and LPHS.
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Spalding’s generosity extended beyond school campuses to the homes of his colleagues who he assisted with home maintenance projects that included new roof installation, bathroom remodeling, painting and electrical work.
With seemingly endless energy Spalding also found time to renovate the barns and remodel the gem display at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. He was also active in the Oroville YMCA, leading the Indian Guides Program, and in the Boy Scouts of America serving as pack leader, and he coached Little League baseball for seven years.
Spalding’s community work also included active membership in the U.S. Army Reserves, the Association of California School Administrators, and the California Industrial Arts Education Association.
Spalding is survived by his two sons Michael and Kent Spalding, their wives and five grandchildren.
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