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.
Ten books you can’t read in Oregon prisons
Salem Reporter obtained through a public records request the list of over 1,600 books Oregon inmates aren’t allowed to get. The books are a small fraction of publications mailed to prisoners. Over the past three years, the Oregon Department of…
Here’s where kids can get free summer meals in Salem
Veronica Diaz squirts mayonnaise on her son Victor’s sandwich during a free summer lunch at Washington Elementary School on June 18, 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Veronica Diaz remembers eating summer lunches at Four Corners Elementary School when she was a…
Oregon prisons ban dozens of technology and programming books over security concerns
(Salem Reporter file) Oregon’s Department of Corrections has banned dozens of introductory technology and coding books from state prisons over security concerns. The banned titles include “Windows 10 for Dummies,” “Python Programming For Beginners” and “Blockchain Revolution,” a narrative explaining…
Child poverty falling in Oregon, but educational outcomes still lag
Students eat breakfast in the Hallman Elementary School cafeteria (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter) The number of children living in poverty in Oregon is lower than at any point during the last decade, but the state still lags on educational…
More science classes, less crowded lunches in store for Judson Middle School
Judson Middle School student Gabby Mora and Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett shovel dirt at a groundbreaking for school construction. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Gabby Mora sometimes has trouble finding a spot to sit during lunch in the Judson Middle School cafeteria.…
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…