At Thursday’s School Committee meeting, vice chair Susan Stephenson responded to public concern regarding her meeting attendance and remote participation in recent months.

Stephenson, who attended Thursday’s meeting in person, explained that she has been undergoing treatment for two types of cancer since late summer/early fall. She noted that a recent PET scan from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute indicated her cancers are “virtually gone.”

However, Stephenson said she potentially faces a “gruesome surgery” on her esophagus, which may force her to resign from the committee in the future.

“Hopefully, that will explain to the concerned citizens Hopkinton why I have not been here in person for the past few months,” she said.

Stephenson thanked her fellow committee members and district administrators for maintaining confidentiality at her request, adding, “That speaks volumes about their personal and professional values.”

School Committee chair Kyla McSweeney said she values all members of the committee, saying they bring “unique perspectives.” Stephenson, she noted, has insights as a former classroom teacher and has been in constant contact with her throughout her illness, “including texting me from the hospital.”

She also has been participating in School Committee matters and as its liaison “not in public view.”

Member Nancy Cavanaugh echoed that Stephenson did not miss a meeting during an “obviously difficult time in [her] life personally.” She urged community members having questions and concerns about any members to communicate directly with them via the district’s website.