Historic Onancock School presents annual report as pavilion fundraising continues

Kerry Baird, president of the Friends of Onancock School, presented the nonprofit's 2024 annual report to the Onancock Town Council on Feb. 24, 2025, detailing operations, fundraising and capital projects. Baird said the group has invested more than $670,000 in maintenance since 2007 and reported that "All construction costs for the Pavilion are paid in full, there is no debt."

The presentation included financial statements showing roughly $140,000 in operating revenue and $138,900 in operating expenses for 2024, and a larger net income figure driven by capital donations and fundraising. Baird walked council members through the 2022–2025 strategic plan goals: continued building and grounds improvements (including ADA access and a performance pavilion), increasing earned revenue from studio rentals and events, and expanding community partnerships. FOS also listed a calendar of 2025 events including Field Day Fiesta (May 3), Blooms & Brushes (May 31) and a planned pavilion opening in summer 2025.

Baird highlighted volunteer and community support as central to operations, noting volunteer hours and local collaborations with groups such as Onancock Main Street, the Eastern Shore Art League and the YMCA. She outlined pavilion-related funds on the balance sheet and emphasized ongoing fundraising to cover remaining improvements like a memory garden and safe pedestrian access.