Two McNary High School graduates say former choir teacher Joshua Rist worked to earn their trust before steering conversations toward sex and seeking a relationship with them. Rist is currently employed at Kalapuya Elementary School.
SCHOOLS
In unique program, Salem high schoolers train to be therapists, social workers
A new behavioral health program opened this fall at Salem-Keizer’s Career Technical Education Center, with space for 60 high school juniors and seniors to learn about therapy, crisis response and other in-demand lines of work.
District seeks mediation with Salem-Keizer teacher union as budget shortfall looms
District and teacher union proposals remain $50 million apart on compensation after six months of bargaining. Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said Salem-Keizer needs outside help to reach an agreement, while union leaders called the move “premature.”
Oregon assessments show little student improvement over last four years
Student proficiency in English language arts and math remain 10 percentage points below pre-pandemic levels, but declines appear to be leveling off.
Superintendent says improvements urgent as tests show two out of three Salem kids can’t read proficiently
New state test data released Thursday shows local students performed worse on reading and math tests than in 2022. District leaders say they intend to focus on attendance and consistent classroom instruction to boost results.
District plans to open youth mental health treatment center
A unique public-private partnership between the Salem-Keizer School District, private donors and a mental health treatment provider means about two dozen kids will be able to get intensive day treatment just north of Salem, while still attending classes.
UPDATED: School board approves improvement targets, mental health center
The Salem-Keizer School Board on Tuesday split 5-2 on a policy reaffirming the board’s commitment to antiracism.
Waldo, Swegle, McNary get window film to cut classroom heat
Following a heat wave last spring, Salem-Keizer School District officials said they planned to treat school windows with heat-reducing film. So far, just three projects have been completed or scheduled.
District proposes 3.5% teacher raise as Salem-Keizer teacher union seeks 15%
Superintendent Andrea Castañeda announced an increase this week to what the Salem-Keizer School District is willing to pay teachers, while acknowledging other districts in the region are giving higher raises.
UPDATED: Student arrested after assaults at North Salem high
A student at North attacked another student in a classroom, causing the school to go into a lockdown. District officials said the school is now safe.
