Editor’s Note: HK-Now.com and Haddam Killingworth News asked candidates for the Regional School District 17 Board of Education to provide brief biographies as a way of introducing themselves to voters. The statement below is from BOE member Sonja Charpentier of Haddam, who is running for re-election. The candidate’s reply is unchanged from the original as submitted. HK-Now.com and Haddam Killingworth News are not responsible for errors in grammar, usage, punctuation or spelling.
Sonja Charpentier has called Haddam home for more than a decade. She and her husband are proud to be raising their children in a community that values education as much as they do.
A teacher for over thirteen years, Sonja currently teaches math and science at Coginchaug Regional High School. She began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in The Gambia and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership. She also worked as an instructional coach for Middletown Public Schools, where she supported teachers across the district. In addition to her work in schools, Sonja has supported Haddam-Killingworth Parks and Recreation by developing and leading sewing workshops and camps.
Since her election to the Board of Education in January, Sonja has been known for asking thoughtful questions and providing insights that strengthen decision-making. As the only classroom teacher on the Board, she offers an important perspective to discussions. Sonja is running for re-election to ensure Regional School District #17 continues to provide our students with an excellent education while planning responsibly for the future. Her priorities are balancing facilities and costs, maintaining strong schools, and supporting teachers and staff.
