Published Dec. 15, 2022
By SOPHIA BONE
Reflecting on their first term as they head into their second, newly reelected CUSD board president Sara Hinds and board clerk Tess Arthur plan to use their past experiences to continue fostering a collaborative governance team.
“What led me to running again was that I felt there was a need for continued consistency and stability on the board of education,” Hinds explains. “Keeping the board together and keeping that strength and consistency going forward will be great for the district.”
Board President Sara Hinds attributes her teamwork abilities to her time spent working in Silicon Valley prior to her return to Carmel. (courtesy of SARA HINDS)
The duo’s first term in office was nothing short of busy and included dealing with the confusion of the pandemic and supporting students who had to relocate during the fires in Cachagua. Hinds recognizes that there is much left to accomplish that was not able to be done due to those unforeseen circumstances.
Hinds and Arthur say that completing the CUSD superintendent search with the implementation of Ted Knight in the position as well as supporting the addition of wellness centers throughout the school district were huge advancements for CUSD.
Going forward, maintaining a strong, united board is their first priority.
“Although we may be five completely different people,” Hinds explains, “as a board, the issues that are near and dear to our hearts are in lock-step in terms of consistency in how we want to best make sure we can care for all the students, teachers and staff in this district. A strong school board equals a strong community.”
In the coming months, the board has plans to implement a new strategic plan to focus on establishing the core values of the district, such as mental health and forging partnerships with the community for student opportunity through local businesses. Dec. 8 will mark the first Parent Education Series meeting, a pet project of Hinds that she has been working on with other board members, where the community will learn more about drug use in the area and how to begin those conversations.
Long-time lover of philanthropic work, outside of the school board, Tess Arthur is also on the board for the Community Fund for Carmel Valley. (courtesy of TESS ARTHUR)
Being a part of the Carmel community since before she could read and write, Hinds has always had a passion for the district. After joining the Parent Teachers Association at River Elementary School when her now-sophomore twin boys enrolled there, running for a position on the board in 2021 seemed like a natural step. The same can be said for Arthur, whose two children went through the CUSD school system while she was a part of the PTA at Tularcitos Elementary School, and who also worked there herself before becoming Board Clerk.
Running initiatives such as “Operation Padre” and starting the summer program in Cachagua, Arthur recently had her many philanthropic efforts recognized by the community once she won the Good Egg award last spring. She explains how this was gratifying and how it ties into her reason for being a part of the board.
“You do this because you have heart, and you love students and you love your community,” the Chico State alum says.
As the board advances into the new year, Tess Arthur and Sara Hinds want the community to know they can expect consistency and stability in their second terms and that itself will provide for a flourishing district.
