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Carrie Buchanan announced as Principal of the Year!

Principal Carrie Buchanan smiles with her husband and daughter while holding flowers

Carrie Buchanan announced as Principal of the Year!

Asheville City Schools is proud to announce that Carrie Buchanan has been selected as the district’s Principal of the Year. Mrs. Buchanan serves as the principal at Hall Fletcher Elementary School. Mrs. Buchanan taught for 9 years at Lucy S. Herring Elementary (formerly Vance Elementary) and 4 years at Asheville Middle School before becoming an assistant principal. She served as assistant principal at Asheville High School and Lucy S. Herring Elementary. Mrs. Buchanan earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from North Greenville University as well as her Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Additionally, she received her National Board Certification and her Graduate Certificate in School Leadership from Appalachian State University in 2017.

“Principal Buchanan is a reflective servant leader who puts what is best for the students at Hall Fletcher at the forefront of her decisions. Her warm and welcoming leadership style has created a culture where all staff feel seen, heard, and valued. Principal Buchanan sets high expectations for her students and staff to ensure that every interaction between students and staff is meaningful. We are seeing impressive growth and achievement in our data at Hall Fletcher, and this is a direct result of Principal Buchanan’s unwavering commitment to a growth mindset. It is an honor to recognize Principal Buchanan for her hard work and dedication to the students of Hall Fletcher and all of ACS”, says Asheville City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Maggie Fehrman.

Principal Buchanan was chosen for this prestigious award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to building a school community that is grounded in a strong sense of belonging. Her unwavering focus on creating a safe, nurturing community where all students can grow and thrive, and where they know they are loved is evident in her leadership and commitment to student success.

“Thank you so much for this incredible honor. I am deeply grateful to the wonderful students, dedicated teachers and staff, and supportive families who make our school a wonderful, joyous place to be. It is a collective effort and commitment each day; it truly takes the whole CREW. Together, we create a community where every child can thrive and reach their full potential. We did great things this past year. I’m proud to be a part of this amazing team at Hall Fletcher, and I look forward to continuing our journey of growth and success together,” says Principal Carrie Buchanan, Asheville City Schools 2025 Principal of the Year.

“Carrie Buchanan creates an incredible environment of trust and professional dedication because of her authenticity, expertise, and ability to connect with everyone in the room. She is laser focused on increasing outcomes for students and advancing equity through high expectations, rigor, and most importantly, love. Professionally, she’s one of my favorite people to collaborate with because she’s such a top notch educator. Personally, I’m so thrilled my children are in her care. They love her just as much as I do!.” - ACS Parent Brian Randall

Congratulations, Principal Buchanan!