It has not been an easy year as a board member, but I have remained diligent in my commitment to doing the best I can for our students by using data and research, listening to others, and making the best decisions possible as a parent, teacher, and community member.

I made a mistake not wearing my mask properly the entire time at the football game I attended and I do not claim to be perfect in any way.

I fully stand by my decision regarding the continuation of masks. The information I provided was based on facts and data available at that time on the Arizona Department of Health Services and Maricopa County websites, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I leaned on data and the well-being of all students in getting through the end of the school year safely and without volatility. I am glad to see our data showing that our numbers are very low now and look forward to a much more normal opening in the fall.

All I’ve ever wanted to do was ensure our students are first in my decisions, which is the oath I took as a board member. I believe I’ve done that and that my record of service shows one of respect and professionalism, despite the atmosphere of intimidation that was created at the last board meeting.

As the clerk of the board, my role is to support the president in maintaining decorum at the board meeting so the public process can take place. I have not violated public comment by stating point of order when guidelines for public comment were not being met.

Editor’s note: Cory Underhill is a member of the Peoria Unified School District governing board. Parents and others are gathering signatures to place her name on the ballot for recall.