On Friday, June 16, Farnsworth Middle School hosted a Community Memorial dedication ceremony in honor of Dr. Demian Singleton. Dr. Singleton was a beloved educator and member of the GCSD community, who passed away on Oct. 18, 2021.
Dr. Singleton had a long and distinguished career at Guilderland; he joined the district in 1996 as a seventh grade science teacher at FMS, later becoming the Instructional Administrator for Math, Science and Technology at FMS. His considerable expertise and dedication to student learning led him to become the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the school district.
Over the course of his extensive career, Dr. Singleton was a champion for all students and believed “each and every one is smart in their own way.” His goal was to ensure “each child felt welcomed and affirmed in the classroom,” and he continually sought to enhance the student experience at GCSD through innovative ideas and technology.
One of Dr. Singleton’s outstanding achievements at Guilderland was the transformation of the district’s technology department. He worked closely with the technology team to implement changes such as one-to-one devices and the Student Help Desk. Through their teamwork and combined expertise, Guilderland became a district leader in technology.
Close colleagues of Dr. Singleton spoke of his passion for education at the June 16th memorial dedication ceremony. Speakers included Mike Bastian, Coordinator for Data and Information, FMS Principal Michael Laster, and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Marie Wiles. Each recounted fond memories of their esteemed colleague and his work, with a theme that was common throughout: Dr. Singleton was devoted to students and was continually inspired to enhance their learning experience in Guilderland.
Borrowing a well known adage, Dr. Wiles said “Your direction is more important than your speed.” “I think of Demian when I hear that quote because it embodies his spirit perfectly, he was instrumental in helping the district move in the right direction, although perhaps it was never fast enough! In Demian I saw brilliance and tempered with wisdom.”
Dr. Singleton is memorialized in the Butterfly Garden at FMS, a place dear to his heart, as it’s where he began his career in Guilderland. The community is welcome to view his memorial throughout the year.
