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2023-24 Media Kit Salem-Keizer Public Schools

We Are Salem-Keizer

Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Oregon School District 24J, was founded in the year 1855. Led by Superintendent Andrea Castañeda, SKPS is the second-largest school district in Oregon. Nearly 6,000 employees serve a diverse student body of 40,000 students, who speak more than 100 different languages in 65 schools, throughout the cities of Salem and Keizer.

Equitable Student Outcomes

We will ensure that all students master grade-level academic standards and attain the behavioral and social-emotional skills needed to thrive.

SKPS: Our Leaders

Superintendent Andrea Castañeda

Superintendent Andrea Castañeda has committed her life to public education because she understands the opportunity and choice-filled life that public education makes possible. Public schools lifted her family upward and forward, and she is committed to providing that same opportunity to the students of Salem-Keizer.

SKPS By the Numbers: Our District

*Additional languages available at salemkeizer.org

SKPS By the Numbers: Our Students

*Additional languages available at salemkeizer.org

Equity in SKPS

Salem-Keizer Public Schools acknowledges that equity is both a process and an outcome. The Office of Student Equity, Access and Advancement works with staff, students, parents, and community members to support underrepresented students to ensure their success in school.

District Equity Team

  • Promotes, supports, and advocates for the vision and values around diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of Salem-Keizer Public Schools.
  • Analyzes student performance data in order to recommend school and/or community interventions.
  • Reviews and analyzes student performance, program participation and behavior data in order to form policy and/or procedural recommendations.
  • Develops and oversees the implementation of the district’s Equity Strategic Plan.

District Student Advisory Group

The District Student Equity Committee is made up of representatives from all high school programs in the district. They represent the diverse voices of their peers while identifying and examining inequities within the district.

Districtwide Equity Work

Equity in Salem-Keizer Public Schools will not be confused with equality where all students are treated the same. Equity will be attained when the achievements of our historically underserved students match the outcomes of students in the dominant culture; when underserved groups increase in capacity and power; and when barriers to student success have been mitigated or eliminated.

Career & Technical Education in SKPS

*Additional languages available at salemkeizer.org

Inclusive School Culture

Salem-Keizer Public Schools are dedicated to providing safe and welcoming schools for all students.

Unified Champion Schools

Unified programs pair students with disabilities with peer partners to provide access to sports, leadership and classroom content. In Salem-Keizer Public Schools, this means classes such as choir, theater, physical education and culinary arts.

In Salem-Keizer Public Schools more than 17 percent of students receive special education services and unified programs bring together peers that may not have historically had opportunities to engage together.

In Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Unified programs are currently active at eight of the district’s 11 middle schools, all comprehensive high schools, and has begun rolling out at the elementary level. Auburn Elementary was recently named as the FIRST elementary school in the state to earn state-level certification.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement at Salem-Keizer Public Schools is a dynamic, ongoing two-way process of building relationships, working collaboratively, and sharing resources creating transformative benefits for ALL students, families and schools.

Stakeholder Relations and Community Partnerships

Crucial to Salem-Keizer Public School’s success is its community which includes residents, businesses, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, higher educational institutions, and governments.

Student Investment Account

The Student Investment Account (SIA) is a fund of approximately $35 million annually provided to Salem-Keizer Public Schools by the Oregon Department of Education.

2018 Bond: Thank You, Voters!

In May 2018, voters in the Salem-Keizer School District approved a $619.7 million general obligation bond to provide relief for overcrowding, expand access to career and technical (vocational programs), increase safety and security including seismic safety, and protect the community’s investment in district facilities.
Promises of the 2018 Bond

Relieve Overcrowding

  • Construct additional space including general education and special education classrooms; and expand or renovate gyms, cafeterias and libraries
  • Expand five high schools to serve up to 2,200 student capacity and a sixth to 2,100 student capacity
  • Add space for music programs

Expand CTE & Science

  • Add or expand two career-technical education (vocational) spaces at high schools
  • Add or renovate science classrooms at secondary schools, ensuring all middle schools have the capacity to offer a full-year of science education

Increase Safety & Security

  • Construct secured entries at many schools to improve staff’s ability to monitor and control who enters the building
  • Upgrade intercom systems to improve communication between school offices and classrooms
  • Address areas in buildings that are rated very high-risk of collapse in an earthquake
  • Construct new additions to the re-occupancy seismic standard which would allow buildings to serve as a community shelter following a large earthquake

Protect Public Investment

  • Plan for the future repair or replacement of roofs, floors, HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing systems, parking lots, etc.

Contact Us

All media inquires should be referred to the Office of Community Relations & Communications

Media Contacts

Aaron Harada, Communications Director

Emily Reverman, Communications Manager

email: press_inquiries@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Credits:

“This official Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ Media Kit is being made available only for use by news organizations and/or for personal Education purposes. Images within this publication may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, e-mails, products, promotions or other activites that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of Salem-Keizer Public Schools.”