By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS — Doris Buchanan is seeking her fourth consecutive term on the Kannapolis City school system’s Board of Education.
The retired principal said she gave the decision “a lot of thought” before filing.
“Education is going through such turbulent times now, we don’t know one day from the next what our legislature is going to do,” she said. “Our superintendent has been here less than two years, so I felt like we needed as much stability as possible.”
Buchanan, 80, said she remains “first and foremost” a child advocate.
“That’s why we exist, for the students,” she said.
But she said she’s also an advocate for teachers, having been one herself before moving up to adminstration.
“My experience sort of bends in that direction,” she said. “I know what teachers and principals go through. I relate to them and I think they relate to me.”
Another priority for Buchanan is increasing parent involvement by improving communication.
“They need to have a voice in their children’s education,” she said. “They need to be heard, but they also need to understand all the ramifications of running a school system.”
Buchanan said she wants to help make the Kannapolis school district the best it can be.
“I want to see it continue to be a safe and nurturing environment for both the students and the staff,” she said. “And I want us to continue recruiting the most highly qualified teachers and do everything we can to keep them, honor them and appreciate them.”
Being a good steward of funding is also key, Buchanan said.
The Kannapolis school board is made up of four Cabarrus County seats and one Rowan spot.
Buchanan is vying for one of two open Cabarrus slots on the board. Fellow incumbent Charles Mitchell and newcomer Dianne Berry are also in the running.
Incumbent Todd Adams is running unopposed for the Rowan spot on the board.
Other candidates filing recently include:
• Republican Jack Brosch filed Tuesday to challenge incumbent Rep. Mel Watt, a Democrat, in U.S. House District 12.
• Jack T. Benoy, a Republican, filed Wednesday for N.C. Senate District 25.

Doris Buchanan
Age: 80
Address:  900 Nance St., Kannapolis
Phone number: 704-933-8431
Occupation:  Retired principal of Jackson Park Elementary
Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, master’s degree in reading, both from Appalachian State University and advanced certification in supervision and administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Previous elected office: Kannapolis City school system’s Board of Education since 2000
Community involvement:  Member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Crafty Ladies, Kannapolis unit of Retired School Personnel, North Carolina Association of Educators and the National Education Association
Family: Son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Andrea Buchanan; daughter, Betsy Buchanan

Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.
Twitter: twitter.com/posteducation
Facebook: facebook.com/Sarah.SalisburyPost