SHUTESBURY — Anne Magill Diaz is starting her tenure as the new principal at Shutesbury Elementary School on Monday.

“I am thrilled to become the new principal of Shutesbury Elementary School,” Magill Diaz wrote in a June 3 letter to the school community. “It is an honor to join such a vibrant and dedicated community, and I am eager to work alongside you to continue the tradition of excellence that Shutesbury Elementary is known for.”

Magill Diaz was named to the position by Corrina Wcislo, interim superintendent and director of student support services for School Union 28, a district encompassing four elementary schools in Shutesbury, Leverett, Erving and New Salem.

Magill Diaz succeeds Jacqueline Mendonsa, who has been principal for 10 years and is leaving the position to relocate to the Boston area.

“[Magill Diaz] brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity,” Wcislo wrote in a letter to families.

Magill Diaz has been principal at Toy Town Elementary School in Winchendon since June 2021. With a background in early childhood education, curriculum development and instructional planning, she also has knowledge of interventions such as Illustrative Math and the Choose Love program, Wcislo wrote.

Wcislo added that Magill Diaz has shown the ability to create a nurturing community where every child feels valued and empowered to achieve to their full potential. Diaz is also a standup comedian.

“Her emphasis on collaboration and partnership between educators, students and families aligns perfectly with the mission of Shutesbury Elementary School,” Wcislo wrote.

Wcislo said Tuesday that Diaz was selected for the position through a search committee process, with nine individuals serving on the panel, including school staff, leadership from School Union 28 and a parent representative.

Magill Diaz was present at the virtual June 20 Shutesbury School Committee meeting, where she told members she was “looking to hit the ground running and looking forward to a really successful transition.”

Community events, including “Popsicles on the Playground with the Principal,” and open door office days this summer, will help the community to get to know Magill Diaz in advance of the new school year, according to her communication with families.

Also starting on Monday in School Union 28 is new superintendent Shannon White-Cleveland, who takes over for Jennifer Culkeen. Culkeen, who is retiring at the end of June, has been on an approved leave for several weeks.

Meanwhile, Wcislo said the search for a new permanent principal for Leverett Elementary School has also been reopened. Annie Foley Ruiz, who had been the interim principal since the 2020-2021 school year, went on leave in March. James Trill has been serving as the interim principal this spring.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.