John C. Raushenbush LIFE AND LEGACY

Former Cincinnati Country Day School Headmaster John C. Raushenbush died at the age of 86 on January 21, 2023, after a short illness and was surrounded by the love of his family during his fi nal days.

John was an important leader in the history of Country Day, serving as the school’s eighth headmaster from 1977-1994. He oversaw a period of growth and ascendancy, with CCDS fi rmly establishing itself as one of the leading independent schools in the Midwest. During his 17-year tenure, Country Day created its early childhood program, established a separate Middle School division, started a development offi ce, helped to found the Summerbridge (now Breakthrough) program, made major new investments in the arts and technology, and enjoyed what many consider to be the golden age of Country Day athletics.

But above all, John presided over an era of unmatched academic excellence. This reputation was due in no small part to John’s hiring of numerous legendary teachers who would go on to inspire generations of CCDS students.

All four of John’s children graduated from Country Day – Christine Raushenbush Saudek ’80, Robin Raushenbush Koval ’82, Lisa Raushenbush Pettengill ’85, and Tom Raushenbush ’88 – as did three of his grandchildren – Grace Pettengill ’17, John Pettengill ’18, and Sam Pettengill ’21. My condolences go out to them as well as John’s wife, Marcia, who served the school as a kindergarten teacher and as a constant strength that guided John throughout his life.

John’s manifold contributions to CCDS extended well beyond his tenure as headmaster. Never the retiring type, John continued to shape the independent school landscape after his headship at Country Day. John became the executive director at the Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS), where he helped preserve private schools’ independence to operate according to each school’s mission. And even into retirement to his beloved Colorado, John remained a presence in the Country Day community, providing counsel to a succession of subsequent heads of school, attending events, serving as chair of the annual fund grandparent committee, and off ering generous support to fundraising endeavors.

Cincinnati Country Day School will always be indebted to John Raushenbush. His legacy remains visible to this day.