Wayzata School Board Candidate: Andrea Cuene of Plymouth

There are nine candidates for three open seats on the Wayzata School Board this year. Below you will find the candidate biography for Andrea Cuene. (All candidates were contacted by Patch via email and given the chance to answer the same questions.)

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What other relevant experience do you have?

My Professional Experience

• 1992, University of MN Hospital, Speech Language Pathologist

• 1993, NovaCare, Speech Language Pathologist

• 1995, Personal Care Attendant for children with Autism

• 1995, MN River Valley Special Education Cooperative, Early Childhood Special Education Speech Language Pathologist and Preschool Screener

• 1996, served on the Scott County Interagency Early Intervention Committee

• 2008, Wayzata Schools, Greenwood Elementary, Speech Language Pathologist

• 2010, serving on district Special Education Representative Team

• Ongoing membership in professional organizations; the Minnesota Speech and Hearing Association and the American Speech and Hearing Association

My District Volunteer Work

• 2007, Greenwood Elementary PTA Treasurer

• 2009, Greenwood District Liaison Representative

• 2011, Greenwood Legislative Action Committee Representative

What is your occupation?

Presently, I work as a Speech Language Pathologist at Greenwood Elementary in the Wayzata Schools.  If elected to the school board, I am prepared to resign from my position at Greenwood to avoid any conflicts of interest.  

Where did you go to school? What city do you live in now?

• 1990 University of Minnesota, BA, Communication Disorders

• 1992 University of Minnesota, MA, Speech and Language Pathology

• 1997 University of Minnesota, post-baccalaureate certificate, Child Abuse Prevention Studies

I have lived in Plymouth for over 19 years.

How old are you?

45

Do you have a spouse, children or any other family members you’d like to tell voters about?

My husband Jim and I have two sons.  Cooper is a freshman at Wayzata High School and Eli is a sixth grader at Wayzata West Middle School.

What are your campaign goals?

My goal is to use my personal and professional experiences to represent the educational interests of students, teachers and tax paying residents. I will approach each decision with an open mind and do my best to honor the fact that as a school board member, the community is trusting me to listen, collaborate and make the difficult decisions required to preserve Wayzata’s tradition of excellence. 

Currently, the most critical issues in Wayzata schools are meeting the needs of our growing enrollment through expansion of facilities, integration of technology and advocating for stable funding.  But most importantly, I believe these issues need to be addressed keeping a laser focus on what best meets the needs of our students. 

Why should voters choose you?

As a Wayzata mom, volunteer and district employee, I see firsthand the hard work that goes into providing an excellent education for our students on a daily basis.  As a member of the special education team at Greenwood, my work demands student focused problem solving, accountability and effective communication as our team collaborates with teachers, parents and administrators to best meet the needs of students.  This experience will enable me to make a unique and valuable contribution to the board. 

Please consider a vote for me, Andrea Cuene, on Tuesday, Nov. 5!