SHEFFIELD — Superintendent Michael Singleton, who has led the Southern Berkshire Regional School District for five years, was praised for his steady leadership that ended this week upon his retirement. District officials describe Singleton as a competent and thoughtful district operator, but low-key and challenged when communicating, a weakness highlighted by his controversial recommendation for the School Committee to consider closing the outlying elementary schools.

Mount Everett Regional High School Principal Glen Devoti described Singleton as a “steady hand at the wheel” who allowed administrators and teachers to do their jobs without interfering.

In Singleton’s last year, Mount Everett was recognized in U.S. News and World Report’s prestigious list of top schools in the nation based on 2010-11 academic scores. Devoti credited Singleton for understanding the importance of extracurricular activities that promote positive culture and foster academic success.

Singleton retires after 43 years of experience, starting as a junior high school social science teacher. Prior to joining the district, he served as the special education development director in Williamstown Elementary School District between 2003 and 2008. He was also the superintendent at Red Creek School District in New York.