In June, Chris Singler, Director of the Upper School, announced that he will not be returning to Friends Select for the 2026-2027 school year; he will be taking a new position as Head of School at Friends Seminary in New York City. Friends Select has begun a search for a new Upper School Director.
Head of School, Michael Gary, hopes to have a new director selected by Halloween. To guide this important decision, the school has put together a committee of faculty members to conduct interviews with candidates. According to Toni Graves Williamson, who is clerking the committee, the group includes Tracy Matthews, Bill Klose, Margaret Smith, Matthew Rosen, Dave Marshall, and Monica Higgins. There will also be opportunities for students to participate in a committee that will interview the candidates who visit campus.
Michael Gary expressed full confidence in the search process. “No concerns,” he said, “because [Chris] is surrounded by such a talented group of faculty in the Upper School.”
Michael Gary believes that Friends Select’s increasing enrollment will attract a competitive pool of candidates. “I think (Chris) would agree that when he applied to FSS, it did not have this enrollment, so I think we are going to have a pool of folks who really want to be a part of this community.”
Friends Select’s increasing popularity is, in part, due to Chris’s leadership this past decade. When Chris started working at Friends Select in 2015, enrollment in the Upper School was at 167 students. “Upper School enrollment is over 200,” Michael Gary said. “It takes a leader to really allow that to happen.”
Chris Singler himself expressed his gratitude and excitement for the future of Friends Select. “I am sure the school and the search committee will select an excellent candidate to work with our outstanding students, faculty, staff, and families,” Chris said. “This is the best job in the world, so whoever steps into the role will be very lucky.”Reflecting on his time at Friends Select, Chris emphasized the lasting impact Friends Select has had on his life. “I love Friends Select and all of my colleagues, the students, and families.” Chris said, “I have grown to feel very happy and comfortable here, so it will be bittersweet to leave. But I will still be a parent for one more year (in 2026-2027), and I will always be the parent of three alumni.”
