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.
At Willamette University, ballet helps football players stay flexible and agile
Monya Maleki leads a ballet class for Willamette University football players. (Frank Miller/Courtesy of Willamette University) Monya Maleki wasn’t sure what to expect when she agreed to teach ballet to Willamette University football players. But she found her first group…
Chemeketa breaks ground on $12 million agriculture complex, with hopes to grow programs
Duane van Dyke hand plows the future site of the Chemeketa Community College Agriculture Complex with work horses Clare and Sophie at a groundbreaking event June 11, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) A bare grass field on the east end of…
AGENDA: Salem-Keizer board considers $1.2 billion budget, new assistant superintendent contracts
After more than a month of discussion, the Salem-Keizer School Board will consider the district’s 2019-20 budget at a meeting Tuesday. The $1.2 billion proposal maintains current district services with some additions, including more high school mental health counselors and…
Twenty years in, Salem-Keizer dental program provides screenings, care for thousands of kids
Dentist Brian Westover and dental assistant Steven Sadaya care for a Scott Elementary School student in the Tooth Taxi. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Dentist Brian Westover leaned over a reclined chair. “I’m just gonna make your tooth go to sleep, buddy,”…
2,750 students graduate from Salem-Keizer schools this week
The West Salem High School Class of 2019 celebrates during graduation on June 6, 2019. (Courtesy/Salem-Keizer School District) This week, about 2,750 Salem-Keizer students donned caps and gowns and walked across the stage after earning a diploma or GED. The Class…
McKay comics artist and animator heading to art school in Portland
Artist and animator Melody Mendez shows off her sketchbook in the McKay High School photography room. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem…
McNary graduate’s advocacy led to changes in Oregon mandatory reporting
Kimberly Schott poses in a senior photo. (Courtesy/Kim Schott) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem and Keizer to select an outstanding graduate – someone who…
Sprague graduate helped lead school choir through challenging year
James Nelson outside Sprague High school. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem and Keizer to select an outstanding graduate – someone who…
After decades evaluating school threats in Salem, John van Dreal retiring to spend more time on his art
John van Dreal sits in his office at the Salem-Keizer School District (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) When John van Dreal started a new job four years ago, his bosses were thousands of miles away. Van Dreal, a school psychologist specializing in…
Six Salem-Keizer schools to start 2019-20 with new principals
Straub Middle School principal Laura Perez, top left, is taking a district job in the fall. New principals for the 2019-20 school year are Beth Freeborn, top center, (Battle Creek), Ingrid Ceballos (Four Corners) Karl Paulson, bottom left (Forest Ridge),…