Leslie Scherer - Parent Representative

My name is Leslie Scherer, mom to a 4th and 2nd grader at AFSA, as well as a preschooler. Our family transferred to AFSA last year after searching for a school that could better meet the individual needs of our children and engage them more deeply. We were drawn to the small class sizes, hands on approach, science focus, and most importantly, the goal of meeting each child where they are at. I believe that school is so much more than just a place where children go to learn to read and write, and that the value of and impact of school goes beyond what can be seen on paper. I am running for school board because I believe in AFSA’s mission and want to support the work that they are doing for the development and education of our children. I have enjoyed getting to know other parents and families over the past two years, and enjoy building community where we can all support each other (parents/ families, students, staff, and administration). I feel that the more we can work together, the stronger we are and the better we can do. If elected to the school board, I hope to help contribute toward AFSA’s financial goals and organizational vision, ensure that all childrens’ needs are addressed by the policies and programs set in place, and continue to strive toward developing a community where all feel welcome and heard.

Jenny Cook - Parent Representative

Jenny Cook is the parent of a 9th grader at AFSA. She brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofits to the Board. Jenny is a licensed Occupational Therapist with a background in social work and child welfare. She hopes to be a voice for all AFSA families, with a special focus for those receiving Special Education and/or English Language Learner services.

Scott Stene - Parent Representative

Scott Stene is the parent of an 11th grader at AFSA High School who is serving her Junior year on the FFA Officer Team. He works as a Government Contract Specialist in the Legal and Compliance department at nVent in St. Louis Park, MN.  He has a background in federal contract auditing.  He served four years Active Duty in the United States Air Force as an Air Transportation Specialist assigned to an expeditionary unit.   Scott served six years on the Viterbo University Alumni Board. 

Kerry Schulte - Teacher Representative

I am a Second Grade Teacher at AFSA K-12. I was an avid FFA member in High School and enjoyed the subjects of science and agriculture. I have a degree in Retail Management and Early Childhood Education and Master’s in Reading and Language Arts. I worked in both retail and computer technology manufacturing before deciding Elementary was my passion. I joined the AFSA Community in 2019. Prior to joining AFSA I taught Elementary for 20+ years in Arizona. I am happy to be back in the Midwest and proud to be part of the AFSA Community

Melissa Farler - Teacher Representative

My name is Melissa Farler. This is my 4th year teaching at AFSA and my 19th year teacher overall. I love teaching Biology and the Environmental/ Ecology classes. I was a Q-comp mentor teacher last year and am a Q-comp leader (master teacher) this year.I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, a Master's degree in instruction and curriculum from University of Memphis, and an Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision from Middle Tennessee State University. I lived for 21 years in Tennessee and taught there for 14 of them. Before becoming a teacher, I was a veterinary technician, humane educator, and volunteer coordinator for a city animal shelter in Memphis, TN. I am happy to be back in this part of the country. After attending Northland College in northern Wisconsin, I have always hoped to be able to return to this area. I hope I can bring my background, experience, and education to the school board to help AFSA be a great school to attend and work..

Laura Wyatt - Teacher Representative

I joined the AFSA school board in July of 2024 as a teacher representative. Being a voice for teachers is a passion of mine. I enjoy this role of working collaboratively within the AFSA community to make our school the best place to be! 

David Smith - Board Chair, Community Representative

David Smith is a Professor in the Food Science and Nutrition Department at the University of Minnesota. He works primarily in the area of dairy products and teaches various courses in food science, also, he advises about 100 students in both nutrition and food science majors. He has been on the AFSA School Board for over six years and is currently Board Vice Chair.

Julie Cox - Community Representative

Julie works at General Mills and currently holds the position of ITQ Director – Meals & Baking Organization Unit. Julie has been with General Mills for 19 years and has had worked across ITQ in Management and Product Development. Prior to joining General Mills, Julie worked for Cargill in both Minneapolis and Cedar Rapids, IA. Julie has a M.S. degree in Food Science from Cornell University and a B.S. degree in Food Science from the University of Minnesota. Julie has enjoyed a career full of learning and discovery, to commercialization, working with highly talented Scientists and Engineers, and Business partners and leaders. Julie and her husband Don live in Maple Grove. They enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends, and time at the lake in Lakeshore, MN on the Gull Lake Chain.  

Kate Plaisance - Community Representative

Kate is the Nutrition Science Director for Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health. She leads a global team of research scientists responsible for the development of laboratory technologies that support new product development, improved ingredient understanding and rapid quality analysis for the internal business and customers. Kate has been with Cargill for 15 years in many R&D roles. Before joining Cargill, she worked for the USDA/ARS Plant Science division at the U of M investigating herbicide resistance in weeds. Kate is passionate about promoting Women in STEM, and volunteers her time for U of M CLA Career Services events and as well as supporting scholarship funds.