Tag LOCAL SCHOOLS
Salem-Keizer board discusses banning concealed weapons on school grounds
The Salem Keizer School Board is considering prohibiting concealed weapons on school grounds after a recent change in state law, with an initial discussion showing a political divide on the topic. During a work session Tuesday evening, Board Chair Osvaldo Avila cited Oregon Senate Bill…
Salem teachers win back pay in complaint over full-time work calculations during pandemic
Dozens of Salem teachers will receive back pay for their work over the past two years after the Salem-Keizer Education Association prevailed in an unfair labor practice complaint. Administrative law judge Jennifer Kaufman ruled in May that the Salem-Keizer School District failed to bargain in…
Assessing threats key to Salem’s school shooting prevention
Salem’s police chief says an existing local system to assess threats to students – not stationing officers inside schools – is key to keeping students safe from mass shootings. Police Chief Trevor Womack and other law enforcement and district leaders spoke to Salem Reporter about…
Educators raise concerns about fights, assaults in Salem middle schools
Salem schools are continuing to see high numbers of fights and aggressive behavior from students, prompting concerns from educators. The problem is especially pronounced in the district’s middle schools, which have recorded 755 fights and 244 assaults this school year through the end of April.…
Hundreds more Salem kids to get a chance for bilingual Spanish-English classes in fall
About 250 more elementary school students will be able to attend class in both Spanish and English starting next fall as Salem-Keizer School District leaders begin a significant expansion of the district’s dual language program. Four elementary schools – Chavez, Four Corners, Keizer and Washington…
Salem-Keizer budget calls for more teachers to help students learn English, manage behavior
Salem-Keizer School District leaders want to add more teachers to the district’s programs serving non-native English speakers and shift more educators to address students’ behavioral problems, according to a proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year. The $1.4 billion draft budget, published Tuesday evening, largely…
Children’s book on racism to remain in Salem-Keizer libraries following parent challenge
A children’s book about the history of racism and antiracist activism in the U.S. will remain in Salem-Keizer School District elementary school libraries following a challenge by a parent. A district review committee voted 8-1 last week to retain “Stamped (For Kids)” by Ibrahim X.…
Years in the making, new trans student policies for Salem schools draw backlash
Three years ago, a transgender high school student approached leaders at the Salem-Keizer School District and told them they needed to do better. Julian, a nonbinary student who is now a senior, said the lack of consistent school or district policies led to teachers incorrectly…
Enthusiasm, teamwork shine in Swegle soccer club
Karina Carrasco Patino, a first-grader at Swegle Elementary, lines up a goal during soccer camp on Wednesday, March 17 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Aubrey Garcia’s face erupted in a grin as she ran toward her coach. The first grader at Swegle Elementary School jumped and high-fived…