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.
BUILDING SALEM: Former Liberty Plaza downtown reimagined as “The Forge”
A retail hub that was largely vacant for years is being remodeled and will host a beauty collective, new dining options and an accounting firm’s headquarters.
Layoffs ripple across Salem-Keizer as 111 educators lose jobs
Over one thousand teachers and support workers in the Salem-Keizer School District on Friday received notice that they would have a new job next school year, while more than 100 were laid off.
Teachers, students wait with anxiety as Salem-Keizer layoff looms Friday
Educators on Thursday described an aura of dread hanging over schools as hundreds of school district employees are expected to receive layoff notices or new job assignments Friday morning.
From crossing guard to math mentor, Trang Pham does it all for Yoshikai’s students
Trang Pham taught high school chemistry in Vietnam before moving to Salem in 2008. She worked to learn English so she could return to the classroom, where she now helps kids struggling with reading and math.
Meet Marie, the custodian who keeps McNary High School running
After a decade cleaning the halls of local schools, Marie Davis-Anderson has seen high schoolers try to flush a lot of things down toilets. The Crystal Apple nominee said she likes keeping busy and helping students learn practical skills and responsibility.
BUILDING SALEM: Edgewater retail development stalled due to high construction costs
Edgewater Landing, a retail building on the south edge of Edgewater Street, has been in the works for years. Site work was recently completed, but construction won’t start until enough space is leased to justify construction costs.
South Salem High School to begin weapons detector pilot in late May
School district leaders said they want to assess whether two systems can effectively detect weapons, and whether the impacts to attendance and school environment are worth it. Public feedback has been mixed.
Turnaround awards honor Salem students who beat the odds
Twenty-two middle and high school students — one from each Salem and Keizer school — were honored Tuesday for making significant improvements in grades, behavior and attendance at school.
Salem-Keizer leaders unveil budget proposal cutting hundreds of educators
Superintendent Andrea Castañeda's proposed budget would cut about 300 employees next school year. She restored 15 middle school teachers to the budget after projections increased class sizes too much.
North Salem teacher resigns after state concludes he sexually abused students
Trever Ball, former Vikings basketball coach, will step down after a year on paid administrative leave following a student protest alleging sexual abuse. The teacher on Monday denied he abused anyone and said he’s appealing the findings of a state investigation.