Board of Education: Republican Christopher Honnen

Dear Fellow Hamden Residents,

My name is Christopher Honnen, and for those that do not know me, I am currently one of four incumbent members of our Board of Education running in this Tuesday’s election, and the only Republican incumbent.  

I have been lucky enough to serve you for the past four years, the past two as Chairman of the Operations Committee. In my four years I have collaborated with multiple groups throughout the town and worked alongside the best staff in the state to help promote fiscal transparency, stronger test scores, reduced instances of illegal students in our schools, building improvements to some of our oldest schools, and realized savings through energy conservation activities and contract negotiations.

Some highlights include: as a member of the negotiation team, the Board and HEA crafted a series of changes to the medical plan design that are expected to save in excess of $900,000 a year. Teachers still receive cost effective medical care, and continue a 16 percent co-pay. The changes affect over 572 teachers, supervisors and administrators.

As a member of the Operations Committee, significant improvements were made to Ridge Hill School, including the recent sound attenuation project for this winter, and we now turn our attention to the schools in Northern Hamden, which we bring new challenges and exciting projects. Through a number of energy conservation activities we have realized over $300,000 in electricity savings since 2009. Through my multiple years of Technology experience, we are spear heading technology advancements taking the district into the new age.

As a resident of Hamden and a member of the Board of Education, my goals are simple: to see Hamden prosper, continue to strengthen our educational experience, while exploring ways to do things more efficiently.

Sincerely,

Christopher Honnen