Volunteer behind 50 years of levies

For more than 50 years, Spokane resident Doris Tryon has solicited the “yes” vote for Spokane Public Schools.

The 83-year-old has volunteered with the citizens campaign for every school district bond and levy issue presented to voters since 1951. She served two terms as president of the campaign effort by the Citizens for Spokane Public Schools.

“My first levy experience was marching in the snow, taking things door to door,” Tryon said.

“We visited every house back then.”

Tryon was also on the levy committee that witnessed two failed school levies in the 1970s, prompting the closing of nine Spokane schools.

“That was terribly hard on everyone,” Tryon said. “I don’t think the district ever really recovered.”

Despite setbacks, Tryon hasn’t slowed.

She is no longer able to drive, and she doesn’t do house calls, but Tryon commits to help any way she can – calling voters, organizing mailers – when levies come up for renewal every three years.

Tryon continues to try new techniques as the election process changes. Spokane County voters decided to conduct all-mail elections beginning with this one.

“She’s got an incredible gift of giving her time at an age when she could have said, ‘I’ve paid my dues,’ ” said Scott Jones, a member of the citizens campaign for Spokane schools. “She’s just got an incredible passion for kids.”

Tryon moved to Spokane from Metaline Falls, Wash., in 1950 so her children could attend the city’s schools. She started volunteering a year later. In addition to levy campaigns, Tryon was actively involved with the Parent Teacher Organization at Adams Elementary School.

She is also an active member of the ARC of Spokane, having served on the board for about 30 years, and with the League of Women Voters of the Spokane Area.

“Our kids are our leaders. If we don’t educate them we are not doing ourselves any favors,” Tryon said.

“So, if I’m still alive in three years, I will be volunteering.”