With thanks,
38,000 children in our local school system.
The $1 billion a year spent on Salem-Keizer schools each year is a mystery to many people. Where does that money go? What does it buy? What results is the community seeing?
The annual blizzard of numbers can be just as confusing – graduation rates, absenteeism, student test scores.
Much is at stake for all of us.
That’s why we’re bringing on a nationally-recruited reporter in July.
If you want to support this work, contribute now to the Salem Reporter News Fund.
The national nonprofit Report for America, is funding part of this reporting position. We’re asking readers like you to help fund the rest.
Strong schools matter to everyone in Salem. They matter to families. They matter to employers who need skilled workers. They matter to nonprofits, neighborhoods and taxpayers. And they matter to anyone concerned about the long-term challenges facing our community.
How will this work help?
First, we’ll turn numbers and jargon into plain words. You’ll get a clearer understanding of what your money is buying – and what local schools need.
Second, we’ll hold education leaders, from school board members to principals, accountable. We’ll tell you who is making the decisions about your money and our kids.
Third, we’ll spotlight solutions. Salem Reporter will work to be a partner in improvement. We’re not going to just tell you what’s wrong and walk away.
How can you help?
Contribute to the Salem Reporter News Fund.
The launch of our campaign prompted an immediate response from readers — a signal that the community wants deeper reporting on this critical topic. We’re now one-third of the way to our fundraising need for this reporter.
If you haven’t joined in, please consider contributing today.
Every dollar is tax deductible because Report for America serves as our fiscal agent.
You can contribute in several ways:
• Donate securely online securely in just moments.
• Write a check (Salem Reporter, 494 State St., #410 Salem OR 97301 — note News Fund on your check).
• Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution through your IRA custodian (details are on the News Fund page).
When you contribute, you become part of the group of Salem readers making this reporting possible. Scores of your neighbors have already stepped forward to support deeper coverage of our schools.
Why are we asking for this help?
Salem Reporter is a locally-owned news organization. This ambitious project takes special support.
Your contribution is an investment in fair, accurate journalism. It will help Salem residents better understand an education system under real strain.
Please consider contributing today to help make this reporting possible.
Les Zaitz, Editor and Owner, Salem Reporter
Questions? Email: [email protected]
