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 over 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.
UPDATED: Salem-Keizer School Board approves budget, appoints student advisers
The Salem-Keizer School Board will vote Tuesday on adopting the district's budget, which adds several dozen staff positions, largely in special education and behavior.
Dismal reading scores prompt new effort in Salem schools
The Salem-Keizer School District this year undertook the biggest push in recent history to focus on teaching kids to read. It's an issue educators say is urgent after state tests show two in three district students are behind.
CLASS OF 2025: West Salem grad turned her struggles into empathy
Emma Tribbey is graduating from the behavioral health program at Salem's Career Technical Education Center with plans to help advocate for children undergoing complex medical treatment.
Parents fear special education classroom move will disrupt stability, progress
Salem-Keizer School District officials are moving an emotional growth center classroom from Salem Heights to Hallman Elementary School in the fall in an effort to have special education offerings available in each high school area.
State pension tweaks will save Salem-Keizer School District $6 million next year
Even with state relief, pension costs remain a major expense, with the Salem-Keizer School District expecting to spend about $120 million next year.
Salem-Keizer music programs win bevy of state awards
Ensembles at South, McNary, West, Sprague and McKay all took home state titles, while a dozen students placed in solo state music competitions.
UPDATE: Bend man accused of stabbing 12 during check-in at Salem Union Gospel Mission
Tony L. Williams, 42, of Bend, will appear in court Monday afternoon on assault charges. Staff reported the assailant was checking into the men's mission when he became agitated and began stabbing people.
Here are the 12 Salem, Keizer educators honored with 2025 Crystal Apple awards
Winning educators for 2025 helped run homework clubs, encouraged students to speak up and got up at 5:45 a.m. to pick up students for before school activities.
Jennifer Parker ekes out victory for Salem-Keizer School Board, settling final race
Angelo Arredondo Baca conceded the Zone 3 race for the Salem-Keizer School Board Tuesday night, leaving Jennifer Parker the sole conservative candidate elected in four races.
From reading lessons to recess, Salem Heights ASL interpreter has a passion for access
Nikki Davis Eldridge works with deaf students at Salem Heights Elementary School and interprets school board meetings. She's among the educators nominated for a Crystal Apple award this year.