Category Schools
Salem student joins international group of Scholastic Kid Reporters
Owen Marksbury, 10, is one of 28 students across the world who will be writing “news for kids, by kids” this school year. He plans to cover topics including climate change, wildfire and sports.
UPDATES: School board picks three citizens for budget committee
Former school board candidate and Willamette dean Kelley Strawn, early learning advocate Lisa Harnisch and state revenue department manager Kathryn Jones will serve three-year terms on the Salem-Keizer schools budget committee.
New complaint of ‘inappropriate conduct’ emerges against former McNary choir teacher
Joshua Rist, on paid administrative leave, is facing multiple investigations over his conduct with students. The record of his case prompted Salem-Keizer’s school superintendent Tuesday to press for tougher Oregon laws to address teachers who groom students and seek relationships after graduation.
Superintendent moves accused music teacher out of classroom
Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said after reviewing his employment history, Joshua Rist will not work directly with students in the district. Rist has been sued by two former high school students who allege he groomed and manipulated them while teaching at McNary High School.
Governor’s education adviser will lead state teacher standards and licensing agency
The Teacher Standards and Practices Commission voted unanimously in a special meeting Tuesday to appoint Melissa Goff executive director for the agency.
Salem classroom aides, bus drivers seek raises as bargaining enters sixth month
Teachers and supporters in the Salem-Keizer School District rallied Monday to protest Superintendent Andrea Castañeda’s decision to move contract negotiations into mediation. Classroom aides, bus drivers and other classified workers are still bargaining.
Kalapuya Elementary School teacher put on leave following abuse allegations
Music teacher Joshua Rist has been placed on leave from Kalapuya Elementary School following a lawsuit from two of his former students at McNary High School. They alleged he groomed and manipulated them for several years.
Former McNary students sue choir teacher, alleging grooming, abuse
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.
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.