The following is a letter sent by e-mail from Ms. Mari Rosales to certain faculty and staff members this morning after she submitted her resignation to Head of School Rabbi Ari Segal.

Jan. 1., 2012

Dear friends and colleagues,

I would like to inform you that I just resigned from my position at Shalhevet High School effective immediately. Please find attached a letter from me to you regarding my departure.

I wish you all the best.

Mari

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As you may or may not know, I was accepted into a nursing program early this year that was supposed to start in the summer, but will begin this January 2012.

With everything that has happened with my health, it is clear that my heart lies in helping others to fight and survive as I have and I have accepted the opportunity to pursue a nursing degree at UNC.

I did not think I would be able to afford going to school and, after being made part time, the opportunity seemed even less likely. However, I recently qualified for a loan that would cover my tuition and allow me to attend one of the top nursing programs in the country. I wanted to share the news with you and with my students as soon as I realized that things were quickly moving in this direction, but I had overriding fears about losing my health insurance. As a cancer survivor who depends on life saving drugs daily, this was simply not an option. I couldn’t give advance notice and hope for the best. I needed to do what was right for my health.

Given the reduction in my position at Shalhevet and the nature of our “at will” employment, I already felt insecure in my future at the school. So, despite my feelings for my students, colleagues, and friends, I had to make the decision that was best for me, my health, and my future. All of this left me in a very sad place where I could not say goodbye to you or to my students in a proper fashion. Please know it was never my intention to hurt anyone or disturb the rhythm of the semester.

I am so excited to be starting this journey and I will treasure the time we have all spent together.

Mari