Haverhill’s former Superintendent of Schools Dr. Raleigh Cornelius Buchanan died Friday, July 26, his family confirmed. Born in North Carolina, he was known as “Dr. B” and worked as Haverhill’s education chief from 2006-2010. He also created Haverhill High School’s Classical Academy.
Starting his career in education as a sixth grade teacher in Indiana, Buchanan coached basketball and served as the principal of Brown Township Elementary School. Holding a Doctorate of Education from the University of Illinois, Buchanan also taught college-level school psychology.
Throughout his career, he worked at schools in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Maryland, and Seekonk, Mass.
Buchanan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Claudia Buchanan, his two daughters, Christy Buchanan and Paula Quinn (Jeff Quinn), and his two grandchildren, Boyce Buchanan and Kell Evans.
Memorials can be made to the Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Scholarship in memory of Dr. Raleigh Buchanan, Seekonk Lions Club, P.O. Box 326, Seekonk, MA 02771.
In lieu of a service, his family asks people to post stories about him on the Facebook page, Raleigh Buchanan Memorial.