Santa Monica High School principal Eva Mayoral tendered her resignation with the SMMUSD, effective June 30.
She will be moving out of state to spend more time with family, including a cherished granddaughter.
In a message sent to Samohi parents, Mayoral shared the physical and emotional pain she feels in saying goodbye.
“I can tell you unequivocally that I have never been fonder of any group of students, parents or staff,” Mayoral said of her Samohi family. “It is this love that has made my life joyful, and this decision excruciating.
“But you are not my only love. My son and his family, all of whom I adore, have reached out in need, and as unfathomable as it is to leave you, I just don’t have it in me to say ‘no.’ We have a huge number of brilliant and committed teachers and administrators (at Samohi) who will carry on and care for this work.”
Mayoral also sent a message to her Samohi “family” – her staff, plus PTA leaders, the SMMUSD Board of Education, the district management team, SMMEF staff and others.
“Ms. Mayoral has been an integral part of the SMMUSD team for more than 20 years, including her time as a teacher and in leadership roles,” Dr. Mark Kelly, assistant superintendent of human resources, said. “Her instructional leadership and commitment to each and every student was unwavering and with a tremendous heart. She will be missed by all and we wish her all the best in her cross-country move.”
Mayoral has worked for SMMUSD for 21 years, with the past three as the Samohi principal. Prior to this position, she served as the John Adams Middle School principal from 2010 to 2013, house principal at Samohi from 2004 to 2010 and she began her career in SMMUSD as a science teacher at Samohi from 1995 to 2004.
“It has been a tremendous privilege to work with Eva Mayoral,” Samohi PTSA President Joan Krenik said. “Her passion for Samohi and unwavering support of all students has resulted in the implementation of many programs and a change in culture that will benefit our community for years to come. Eva will be sorely missed.”
District leadership will move forward immediately in conducting a search for her replacement. More info will follow about this in the coming weeks.