Press release from Asheville City Schools:
Asheville City Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Carrie Buchanan as the new Executive Director of Learning Pathways at the William Randolph Campus replacing Dr. Darwin Carter upon his departure from ACS. Buchanan brings 26 years of experience in education to the role, with a proven track record of success in improving student achievement, instructional leadership, teacher retention, community building, and student-focused initiatives. Previously, Buchanan served as the principal at Hall Fletcher Elementary School.
In her new role, Buchanan will be responsible for the overall leadership, organization, program development, and management of all educational programming on the William Randolph Campus. In this role Ms. Buchanan will report directly to the superintendent, Dr. Maggie Fehrman to ensure the highest level of accountability in building successful programs. Ms. Buchanan will be focused on achieving the following goals:
Improve student achievement
expand programing to include adult learning opportunities
“We are excited to welcome Carrie Buchanan to the William Randolph Campus,” said Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent. “Her deep relationships in our community along with her proven experience as a building leader, passion for education, and commitment to student success make her the ideal candidate to lead the campus into its next chapter.”
Buchanan is a graduate of North Greenville University with a BA, Early Childhood/Elementary Education; Walden University, MS Ed., Reading and Literacy; and Appalachian State University, Graduate Certificate in School Leadership. She has served as the principal at Hall Fletcher Elementary School for the past five years where she has led school-wide initiatives focused on student achievement, teacher development, and community engagement resulting in improving Hall Fletcher’s state accountability results. She has also served as the assistant principal at Lucy S. Herring Elementary School (the former Vance Elementary School) and Asheville High School. In addition to her leadership experience, Ms. Buchanan has 17 years of classroom experience.
Buchanan has also been recognized for her contributions to education, including being named Asheville City Schools 2025 Principal of the Year and receiving National Board Certification in 2008. She is actively involved in professional organizations, including NCPAPA and the Asheville City Schools Foundation Board.
“I am honored to join the William Randolph Campus and excited to work with the talented team here,” said Buchanan. “I am committed to building on the campus’s strong foundation and creating a vibrant and inclusive community where every student thrives and feels a strong sense of belonging.”
Buchanan will begin her new role on Monday, February 17. Shawn Benfield, the current Assistant Principal, will step in as the interim principal at Hall Fletcher Elementary School. Benfield brings 28 years of classroom experience and over three years in administration.
“Hall Fletcher is a creative, innovative, and family centered community; and, I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the interim principal,” said Benfield. “My time here as Assistant Principal has been amazing, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”
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