SPPS Board Chairperson hospitalized with COVID-19

St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) on Friday confirmed its Board Chairperson Marny Xiong has been hospitalized with COVID-19.

"The SPPS community sends our support and positive thoughts for Marny Xiong and her family. We know her as a friend and fighter; a fighter for student equity, student opportunity and student achievement," said Superintendent Joe Gothard in a statement. "Her spirit of not giving up has never been more important. We are grateful for the medical care she is receiving and we look forward to her return to health in the near future."

Dear SPPS Families,

You may have read in the media, or seen information on social media, that SPPS Board Chair Marny Xiong has been hospitalized with COVID-19.

Our thoughts are with Chair Xiong and her family during this difficult time. https://t.co/MQLeeo04er

— Saint Paul Public Schools (@SPPS_News) May 8, 2020

SPPS said it understood the news may cause fear and anxiety for some students and families, and said it has resources available to help.

Change, Inc., also has a support line available for students and families during the pandemic that SPPS families may call for phone support or referrals to community resources. Calls are answered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by calling 651-262-5858.

Xiong’s sister said on social media Friday that Xiong is in critical condition and relying heavily on a ventilator.