Carman Smith’s Legacy of Education, Connection and Compassion Lives On at Anderson Middle School

 Carman Smith, assistant principal at Anderson Middle School in Berkley, Michigan, died on October 2, 2026, following a battle with cancer, according to a message shared by the school community. His death has left students, colleagues, former students and families mourning an educator whose career was defined by relationships, service, compassion and a commitment to making students feel welcomed and supported. Smith had been part of Anderson Middle School since August 2022, serving in a leadership role in student life and school.

Before joining Anderson Middle School, Smith spent about two decades with Birmingham Public Schools, where he worked as a teacher, coach and administrator. His career allowed him to build lasting relationships with students and colleagues. His work was not limited to academic responsibilities. He was remembered for understanding the importance of connection and for creating environments where students could feel seen, respected and comfortable seeking support from trusted adults.

At Anderson Middle School, Smith became closely associated with programs focused on relationships and reducing social isolation. Initiatives including Start with Hello Week, No One Eats Alone and UMatter Week reflected his emphasis on belonging, kindness and human connection. These efforts encouraged students to reach out, identify adults they could trust and ensure classmates did not feel overlooked. His involvement reflected a belief that a successful school community depends on more than grades and classroom instruction.

Smith’s role as assistant principal also gave him opportunities to support students and staff beyond individual programs. The school community described him as someone who cared deeply about the people around him and worked to make Anderson a welcoming place. His professional path from teaching and coaching to administration allowed him to influence students in different roles. For many people, his significance came through the relationships he built rather than any single title or initiative.

The Berkley Schools community has recognized Smith’s connection to education and school system. District historical records list him as Anderson Middle School’s assistant principal beginning in 2022, while the school’s staff information identifies him in that leadership position. Those records place his career within the institution he served in his final years. Tributes following his death have also recalled his connections as an educator, coach, administrator, mentor and friend, reflecting a career that extended beyond one school building.

News of Smith’s death has brought sadness because of his long career and the personal connections he developed. Students who encountered him, colleagues who worked beside him and former students who remembered his influence are among those reflecting on his life and career. His efforts to promote inclusion and belonging are especially meaningful in light of the values behind the programs he supported. For Anderson, his absence represents the loss of a familiar school leader whose work centered on helping young people feel connected.

As his family, loved ones and colleagues mourn, Carman Smith’s legacy will remain tied to education and the relationships he cultivated. His years in Birmingham Public Schools, his service at Anderson Middle School and his support for initiatives centered on kindness and belonging all form part of that legacy. The school community faces the task of moving forward without a respected administrator, mentor and colleague, friend. For those who knew Smith, his influence will be remembered through the students he supported and the culture of connection he worked to strengthen.