Rally Planned For Lc Public Tour Of Building Part Of Drive To Support Renovation Measure

A little-known fact lies among the cavernous corners of Lewis and Clark High School history.

The school has a pool.

“It’s true,” said Judy Imhof, LC class of 1978. “It’s under the floor of what’s now a gym.”

The pool, covered years ago to make way for a basement gym floor, is one of many nooks and crannies in the 90-year-old building.

People can get a look inside the city’s oldest high school Tuesday when the Citizens for Spokane Schools holds a pep rally and tour at LC.

Organizers say they hope to gain support for the district’s upcoming bond issue by inviting voters into the school.

The group is working on a campaign, “Vote Yes Twice,” to promote the upcoming bond issue and maintenance and operations levy District 81 will place on the ballot Feb. 3.

A large chunk of the bond would go toward LC’s $40 million renovation, which entails gutting the building while preserving the 90-year-old exterior.

The district would also purchase land surrounding the school to expand the campus and add new gyms.

“The rally is for every voter in Spokane, even adults and senior citizens who don’t have kids who go through LC,” said Scott Jones, campaign co-chair. “It’s still everyone’s best interest to have strong schools in Spokane.”

The citizens group has invited LC alumni from throughout the school’s history, from as far back as the 1940s.

The rally is open to the public.

The pep rally will start with a presentation at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. The audience will be treated to music courtesy of a choir of school alumni, then taken on tours of the building.

Imhof, who has two daughters who also will attend her alma mater, said she hopes the rally will serve as a reminder of the history of the school.

“There’s a lot of interest in LC and its historical value,” she said. “Just think of all the kids who have gone through the doors.

“It’s worth saving.”

, DataTimes