Terry Spence

Class of 1960

State Representative

A life-long Delawarean, Terry Spence was born in Wilmington, moved to New Castle and graduated from William Penn High School, Class of 1960.

Following his graduation, he served in the Delaware National Guard for six years and later attended Goldey Beacom College and Wilmington University. He was employed by the DuPont Company as an account executive for 32 years.

His legislative career began in 1980 when he was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives. He was elected Speaker of the House in 1987 and holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Speaker in both Delaware and national history. Some of the highlights of his legislative career are:

• House Ethics Committee Legislative Council

• Delaware Bar Association Distinguished Legislative Service Award 1986

• Delaware National Guard Minute Man Award 1986

• MADD Distinguished Legislator Award 1987

• Governor’s International Trade Council

• Executive Committee of the National Speakers Conference 1996

• National Republican Legislators Association Leader of the Year Award

1999 – elected President of the Association 2007

Throughout his career, education has always been a high priority to Representative Spence. He authored and helped pass Delaware’s Mandatory Crime Reporting Bills HB85 and HB332 enabling Delaware schools to take a tough stand against violence. During his 28 years in the

Delaware General Assembly, Terry Spence met often with the Colonial Superintendents, School Board members, Senator Connor and Representative Reynolds to discuss important issues concerning William Penn and the Colonial School District. He was instrumental in obtaining the Troop II Building for District use as well as helping to secure the land on which the Kathleen H. Wilbur School was built. He was awarded a plaque by the Colonial School District in recognition of his continuing support on these and other issues.