Wendy Canestro

PROVEN. FEARLESS. THE RIGHT CHOICE.

Wendy Canestro is not learning on the job—she’s already done it.

She has served on three Boards of Education -including as Board President in her former district – and in Amityville, where she fulfilled a one-year vacancy as intended. Wendy brought a level of transparency to Amityville School Board that has not been seen in years. She has a proven record of success as a school board trustee.

Wendy brings unmatched experience. She has trained boards of education, mentored candidates and sitting trustees, and understands exactly what the role demands: real oversight, critical thinking and not rubber stamps.

While others stay silent, Wendy speaks up. She has been a consistent presence at meetings – challenging poor decisions, demanding accountability, and giving a voice to taxpayers and families who are too often ignored.

She believes in two things that must work together:

Because without fiscal discipline, student success suffers. She believes fiscal discipline ensures resources are used efficiently, directing more funding to classrooms, programs, and support that directly improve student outcomes.

Wendy believes every student has greatness, and it’s the district’s responsibility to provide the opportunities to unlock it.

Professionally, Wendy is a licensed commercial insurance broker, working with business owners up to Fortune 500 companies – handling multi-million-dollar accounts, analyzing complex numbers, and navigating high-stakes decisions in fast-paced environments. Her work demands precision, accountability, and attention to detail – skills she brings directly to the boardroom.

When her children were young, Wendy was a deeply involved parent—holding many leadership roles in the PTA, including President, and volunteering as a Boy Scouts leader, Girl Scouts leader and registrar, Little League liaison, and a coach for a special needs’ baseball league. As a former PTA president, she knows strong PTA–district communication is key to aligning priorities and serving students effectively. That same commitment to children and families continues today. Even now, parents – from her former district and here in Amityville – continue to reach out to Wendy for guidance on navigating challenges, understanding protocols, and advocating for their children.

A proven leader. A record of results. Focused on facts – not feelings – and delivering for students and taxpayers.

Led policy committee efforts resulting in 33 new and amended board policies adopted
Identified critical policy gaps, including the need for a formal transportation policy
Successfully advanced a resolution to establish a gifted program for students
Brought financial oversight by questioning budget allocations and unnecessary new spending