We want to pause a moment to acknowledge the many who have joined our effort to deepen reporting on education in Salem. We’re bringing on a nationally-recruited reporter in July, funded in part by the national nonprofit Report for America. Readers are helping fund the first year of this new job . Why are we doing this? 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. Our Honor Roll of Donors so far includes: Margaret Hebing Gaelen McAllister Shelly Lewelling Sue Monahan Walter Perry Jan Margosian J. Carp Lee Chu Stacy Moranville            Susan Crothers Karen Hackney Evan Jones George Dyer Kate Gallagher Debbie Miller Bill Meier Gretchen Johnson Megan Harper Holly Castille                    George Patterson Janet Moore Catherine Carlson Patrick Russell Kimble Cloyd Karen Hill Theresa Berthelsdorf Melanie Zermer Frank Taussig Stephanie Hazen Cynthia Stinson Sharon Crocker Brittany Kenison Marissa Theve Linda McCreery Jim Green Susan Wilson Elvera Woloverton Diane Merry Chet Zenone Santha Still Marcia Latta Laura Daniel Leslie Pitchford Megan Harper Kyle Elwood Marjorie Walling Susan Sterrenberg NOTE: Several donors asked to remain anonymous 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. • Donate securely online in just a few 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). The post Salem residents rally to support deeper education reporting appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less