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.
Gubser Elementary students show off new cafeteria, classrooms
Gubser students Asher Tompkins, left, Kaili Garcia and Jacob Garcia cut a ribbon in the new school cafeteria on Aug. 29, 2019. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Angel Carter is used to cleaning milk off student’s chairs. Until this year, it was…
One week before school starts, Schirle Elementary gets new principal
Kelsey Daniels (Courtesy/Salem-Keizer School District) Schirle Elementary School is getting a new principal this year after a few last minute shuffles among Salem-Keizer administrators. Former principal Clinton Gertenrich is moving to Sprague High School to work as assistant principal and…
Drawing on shared Methodist roots, Claremont theology students begin classes at Willamette University
Claremont professor Frank Rogers illustrates a theological concept for seminary student Kate Kilroy during an introduction to religious education course at Willamette University on Aug. 28, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) When Frank Rogers began teaching at the Claremont School of…
Five benchmarks to help your kid succeed in school this year
A Highland Elementary School student races off the school bus on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. (Moriah Ratner) Thousands of Salem-Keizer kids head back to school next week, trading summer camps or afternoons at the park for backpacks and pencils. Parents…
Squirrel’s antics leave 130 Salem Heights homes and businesses without power
About 130 households are without power in the Salem Heights area Wednesday morning after a squirrel disrupted the local power grid. Crews investigating the outage didn’t specify exactly what happened, other than to point blame at the rodent. “Whatever the…
AGENDA: Salem-Keizer board to consider reaffirming “safe and welcoming schools” policy
The Salem-Keizer School Board at a July 16, 2019 meeting (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) The seven members of the Salem-Keizer School Board will spend a few hours Tuesday night learning more about their roles and the district before a brief business…
Chemeketa Press aims for publishing “revolution” by creating textbooks for $40 and under
Brian Mosher, managing editor of Chemeketa Press, poses next to algebra textbooks on sale in the college bookstore. The books cost $36.50. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) A mission in four bullet points is outlined on a glass door leading to an…
Early McNary renovations aimed at improving Keizer traffic as students arrive at school
Workers re-roof the McNary High School gym on Aug. 23, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Even with the school under construction, traffic around McNary High School should be better this fall. That’s Principal Erik Jespersen’s prediction after crews put in a…
North Salem under construction as students head back to school
North Salem High School Principal Sara LeRoy walks through the school’s construction zone on Aug. 23, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) North Salem High School students and staff are in for changes as they start school in an active construction zone.…
Salem warming centers work to boost volunteer roster before winter
Lead volunteer Russ Lipetsky directs warming center volunteers before opening at First Presbyterian Church on Feb. 27, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) It will likely be months before Salem temperatures drop below freezing at night, but local churches and social workers…