PUHSD Governing Board President tests positive for COVID, raises concerns for testing

Governing Board President for Phoenix Union High School District has tested positive for COVID-19.

Stephanie Parra posted a Facebook video on that she tested positive for the virus on June 27.

Parra says although she is showing no symptoms, she feels it is essential for people to know the seriousness of the virus.

"This virus takes many forms and affects different people in different ways," Parra said in the Facebook video.

She says her, along with her brother and his partner, were carriers of the virus and were all showing no signs of symptoms.

"Not knowing we were positive for COVID-19, the three of us could walk into a restaurant across the state and put the entire staff and guests at risk of COVID-19 exposure. We could shut businesses down and potentially kill people by exposing them to a virus that up until this point, had no effect on us. Asymptomatic spread is a real threat in our community," Parra said.

She goes on to say that more people should be informed about if they have the virus or not so that schools can reopen safely.

"We need the testing infrastructure in place if we're ever going to able to safely open schools for in-person instruction this fall," Parra said.

Phoenix Union High School District has also announced that they will be conducting the entirety of the first quarter remote, and will not begin in-person learning until at least October 2.

"If the Governor announces that in-person learning is still an option after August 17 and before the end of the first quarter, Phoenix Union would consider safely opening some parts of campuses. This option would be available for a limited number of students and whose families are unable to maintain employment while in full remote learning," the district said in a letter to parents July 9.

Parra also raised concerns for testing not being easily accessible to those not showing symptoms like her.

"We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and each other. Please wear a mask, and practice social distancing responsibly," Parra said.