Salem: Education and Research

Cities of the United States, (2005)

Salem: Education and Research

Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Salem-Keizer Public Schools is the second largest school district in the state. It is governed by a seven-member, nonpartisan school board that appoints the superintendent. Like many districts, in the 2004-2005 school year Salem-Keizer faced budget cuts, but pledged to keep the focus of their programs on academic achievement and overall student success.

The following is a summary of data regarding Salem public schools as of the 2004–2005 school year.

Total enrollment: 38,236

Number of facilities

elementary schools: 45

middle schools: 10

senior high schools: 6

other: 4 charter schools

Student/teacher ratio: K-2, 26:1; 3-5, 28:1; 6-8, 29.5:1; 9-12, 30:1

Teacher salaries

minimum: $30,443

maximum: $58,784

Funding per pupil: $6,941 (2002-2003)

Salem is also served by 26 parochial and private schools spanning pre-K to 12th grade.

Public Schools Information: Salem-Keizer Public Schools, 2450 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, OR 97305; telephone (503)399-3000

Colleges and Universities

Salem is home to Willamette University, a private school affiliated with the Methodist Church that traces its roots back to 1842. With an enrollment of more than 1,500, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees in many fields and a number of postgraduate programs, including law, teaching, and management. Recent additions to the campus include the F.W. Olin Science Center, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and the Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center. Chemeketa Community College serves more than 48,000 students annually, and offers one- and two-year associates degrees. A branch of Tokyo International University opened in Salem in 1989 to meet Japanese corporations' increased demand for a culturally adapted workforce. Other area colleges and universities are Western Baptist College, George Fox University, and Western Oregon State College in Monmouth.

Libraries and Research Centers

The Salem Public Library maintains a main library, one branch, and a bookmobile with a total of more than 300,000 items, including more than 800 periodical titles. The library features a special photographic history collection. At Willamette University the Mark O. Hatfield Library houses more than 300,000 volumes and about 1,400 periodical subscriptions; and the J.W. Long Law Library houses collections of Oregon, national, and international law titles.

Public Library Information: Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem, OR 97301 telephone (503)588-6315