Rachel Alexander
Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers education, economic development and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for a decade and is a past president of Oregon's Society of Professional Journalists chapter. Outside of work, you can often find her gardening or with her nose buried in a book.
Salem-Keizer School Board to vote on superintendent contract, new science curricula
If the school board approves a new three-year contract for Superintendent Andrea Castañeda, her pay raises would be the same percentage district teachers receive under the contract currently being negotiated.If the school board approves a new three-year contract for Superintendent Andrea Castañeda, her pay raises would be the same percentage district teachers receive under the contract currently being negotiated.
Salem Reporter answers your questions about city tax levy and what comes next
Ballots are out now for the May 20 election, including a Salem property tax levy. Here are the questions you asked about the measure and what happens if it passes or fails.
Schools would get more help with student behavior under Salem-Keizer budget proposal
A budget proposal from Superintendent Andrea Castañeda would add 66 employees to the Salem-Keizer School District at a time when other districts are making cuts, mostly to address "overdue" needs in behavior and special education.
McKay’s activity director keeps Salem’s largest school humming
Teacher Jenise Flower has a knack for engaging students, whether it's drawing connections with history or helping student leaders plan a dizzying array of events. She's among the nominees for a Crystal Apple award this year.
Regal closing Salem’s Cinebarre, but owners plan to reopen after renovation
Salem Center’s owners have secured an independent operator to run the seven-screen movie theater downtown. They plan to remodel it to include recliner seats and modern projectors.
Meet the candidates for Salem-Keizer School Board Zone 7
Jeremiah Radka, a Salem resident with kids in Hillsboro public schools, is running against Mel Fuller, a parent volunteer with students at Parrish Middle School and Highland Elementary School.
Meet the candidates for Salem-Keizer School Board Zone 5
Former school board Chair Karina Guzmán Ortiz is seeking a second term against challenger Jason Kroker, a mechanic and electrician. Both have children in local schools.
School superintendents urge Oregonians to speak up about federal cuts impacting kids
Superintendent Andrea Castañeda and leaders of six other large Oregon school districts released a video Wednesday saying actual and proposed federal cuts to preschool programs, food banks and school funding are harming Oregon’s kids and families.
Meet the candidates for Salem-Keizer School Board Zone 3
Two South Salem High School graduates, Angelo Arredondo Baca and Jennifer Parker, are vying for the Zone 3 seat on the school board.
Meet the candidates for Salem-Keizer School Board Zone 1
Lisa Harnisch, executive director of the Marion Polk Early Learning Hub, is seeking election to the seat she was appointed to last year. Challenging her is Anthony Mitchell, a parent of three Harritt students and director at a data and software company.