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.
“We are not changing anything”: Salem-Keizer superintendent on federal education shifts
The Salem-Keizer School District will not end or rename programs focused on equity or otherwise change operations in response to Trump administration directives that Superintendent Andrea Castañeda described as “legally unclear.”
Marion Polk Food Share seeks $6m from state for bigger warehouse to meet growing need
Over the past 20 years, Salem’s regional food bank has doubled the amount they give out, but sometimes has to turn away donations because they don’t have freezer space.
Chemeketa board asks voters to renew tax measure for career education, campus renovations
Chemeketa leaders hope voters in May will approve a $140 million construction package that would keep tax rates flat while adding space for career programs. The same measure failed in November.
Internal tests show promising improvements in Salem-Keizer student reading, district leaders say
In a public presentation Tuesday night, Salem-Keizer School District leaders said they're optimistic about improvements in student reading after state tests last year showed just one in four third-graders was on track.
Salem-Keizer School Board renews environmental middle school charter, appoints 3 to budget committee
Superintendent Andrea Castañeda briefly addressed uncertainty over federal schools funding in a Feb. 11 meeting, but said the district remains on track for a balanced budget this year.
Titans earn national recognition for disability inclusion program
West Salem High School recently earned a national recognition banner from the Special Olympics for its Unified program. The school celebrated with an assembly.
A timeline of statements surrounding Salem city manager’s resignation
City officials have issued multiple apparently contradictory statements about the circumstances surrounding City Manager Keith Stahley's abrupt departure last week. Salem Reporter collected them all in one place.
After November failure, Chemeketa leaders plan to seek voter approval for construction package
The Chemeketa Community College board will vote Feb. 19 about whether to put a $140 million construction package back on the ballot in May. The measure wouldn’t raise tax rates and would likely appear alongside a city of Salem tax levy intended to avoid drastic cuts to city services.
Social studies teacher with passion for building takes over Crossler wood shop
When a longtime teacher retired, Joe Matot strapped on his apron and stepped in to run Crossler’s industrial technology program to prevent it from going away.
A girls’ night at Houck aims to help students connect
A special "You Go Girl!" event held at Houck Middle School last week was intended to address conflict and challenges between students through fun activities and help developing social skills.