Meet Mr. Cuccaro

by Hector Tiru

Following his recent appointment as principal of David Brearley High School, Mr. Cuccaro has begun sharing his thoughts and vision for his new home. Building on his initial introduction in a previous Bear Print article, this follow-up provides a more in-depth look at his perspectives and priorities as he steps into the role.

When asked to reflect on his decision to join Brearley, Mr. Cuccaro pointed to the school’s strong sense of unity. He said Brearley stood out to him because of “the sense of community and strong commitment to students.” In every interaction, he has seen “pride, dedication, and a commitment” that make the school special. This emphasis on relationships is something he values greatly and, more importantly, will be something students can expect him to prioritize moving forward.

In addition to his connection to the school culture, Mr. Cuccaro’s path to leadership was shaped by a desire to make a broader impact. “I found myself increasingly drawn to problem-solving,” he explained, which led him from teaching into administration. With experience ranging from working with students with autism to teaching English and serving as a vice principal, he brings a well-rounded perspective. As he transitions into his new role, he said he is most excited about “the opportunity to support our teachers, partner with families, and help create an environment where every student feels heard, challenged, and valued.” Altogether, his focus on both academic and personal growth reflects a multifaceted, student-centered approach.

Looking ahead, his vision for Brearley is clear: “a place where academic excellence and a strong sense of belonging go hand in hand.” He hopes students will graduate not only prepared for their next steps but also proud of their time at the school. While ambitious, this vision aligns closely with the values already present at Brearley and suggests leadership that will strengthen what already exists.

Beyond his professional role, Mr. Cuccaro shared a glimpse of his life outside school. He enjoys spending time with his family and hobbies like cooking, fishing, and sports, and he even coaches his son’s football team. These insights help humanize Mr. Cuccaro as the incoming principal and make him more relatable to the school community.

When asked to describe his leadership style, Mr. Cuccaro chose three words: “collaborative, student-centered, and authentic.” This is already apparent in his focus on building relationships and improving the positive culture at Brearley. As he prepares to officially step into his new role on April 15, his vision and approach point toward a future filled with optimism and excellence for DBHS.

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