April 9, 2025 - Mitchell Principal Update

Dear Mitchell Staff and Community,

We are pleased to announce Mrs. Samantha Cucu has been appointed the new Principal of Mitchell Elementary School.

As a current Mitchell parent and building leader in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Mrs. Cucu looks forward to supporting the Mitchell community through the many perspectives and experiences she brings to her role. Most recently, she served as the Interim Principal at Mitchell Elementary this school year.

Mrs. Cucu has worked in the Ann Arbor Public Schools since 2011. She has served in many roles within the district, including special education paraprofessional, middle school teacher, elementary school Intervention Specialist, and Assistant Principal at King Elementary. Last school year, she served as Interim Principal at Thurston Elementary. Mrs. Cucu has 20 total years in public education.

During her time in the AAPS, she has served on the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports Committee and Social-Emotional and Wellness Team. Mrs. Cucu has been a proactive advocate for equitable teaching and learning, social-emotional learning and well-being structures and supports, restorative practices, effective communication and student engagement.

Mrs. Cucu shares, “I’m truly excited to continue serving and growing with the incredible Mitchell Community! As we step into this next chapter together, I remain deeply committed to nurturing a welcoming environment filled with care, respect, and a strong sense of belonging for every child. I look forward to continued meaningful connections, joyful learning, and shared success.”

We extend a special thank you to the teachers, staff, parents and community members who served on the interview team during the interview selection process. We are grateful for Mrs. Cucu’s leadership this school year and we are excited to welcome her as the permanent principal for the Mitchell Elementary School community.

Sincerely,

Jazz Parks

Superintendent of Schools

Melita Alston

Executive Director, Early Childhood and Elementary Education