ABOUT DR. O'HANLON

Dr. Bill O’Hanlon is a dedicated educator and community leader, proudly born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, a city he is still proud to call home. A graduate of St. Mary Magdalen School and Concord High School, his passion for education took root during his time as a student at Concord, setting him on a lifelong path of service and leadership.

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Dr. O’Hanlon’s career reflects a unique blend of public and private sector experience, underscoring his broad expertise and deep commitment to the community. He has served in the Office of the Mayor of Wilmington under James Baker, worked with Union Park, Inc., and contributed to General Wesley Clark’s 2004 presidential campaign. Over the years, he has advised both political and civic leaders, reinforcing his strong ties to community engagement and public service.

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In education, Dr. O’Hanlon has worked with a broad spectrum of students, from those with emotional and behavioral challenges to high-performing learners, across grades 5 through 12. His teaching experience spans subjects such as Government, Economics, U.S. and World History, Geography, Comparative Religions, Law in America, Politics, AVID, and college and career readiness. Beyond the classroom, he has held leadership roles as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal. He now serves as the District Communications Officer for the Brandywine School District, proudly giving back to the community and schools that shaped his own educational journey.

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Dr. O’Hanlon holds certifications in Social Studies, Special Education (Exceptional Children), Business Education, and as a Principal/Assistant Principal. A passionate advocate for equity and opportunity, he is committed to closing the opportunity gap and building meaningful, supportive relationships with students, staff, and families. A firm believer in servant leadership, Dr. O’Hanlon leads with humility, empathy, and an unwavering focus on the needs of others.

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One of his proudest accomplishments came in 2024, when he helped lead the successful Brandywine School District Operational Referendum to victory with a record-setting 76.24% approval—the highest margin for any operating referendum in Delaware’s history. This milestone demonstrated his leadership, strategic communication skills, and ability to rally a community around a shared vision.

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Dr. O’Hanlon often quotes Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” This guiding belief is central to his work as an educator and leader, defining a legacy rooted in compassion, impact, and authentic human connection
 

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Testimonials

• STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

• COLLEAGUE TESTIMONIALS

• PARENT TESTIMONIALS

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Education

• Ed.D., Gwynedd Mercy University

• M.S.Ed., Neumann University

• B.A., University of Delaware

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Awards & Recognitions

• Who's Who of Educators in America 2021-2022

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Certificates & Endorsements

• Teacher of Social Studies, Grades 6-12

• Teacher of Exceptional Children/Special Education, Grades K-12

• Teacher of Business Education, Grades 6-12

• Principal/Assistant Principal

• Harvard University National Institute for Urban School Leaders (June 2018)

• Governor's Institute for School Leadership (GISL), University of Delaware (2022)

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Other Professional Certifications

• Ordained Minister, Universal Life Church Ministries

• Notary Public, State of Delaware

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K-12 Experience

• Brandywine School District

  • Public Information Officer, July 2023 - Present

  • Brandywine High School

    • Assistant Principal, July 2019 - July 2023

  • Mount Pleasant High School

    • Dean of Students, July 2018 - June 2019

  • P.S. duPont Middle School

    • Dean of Students​, October 2017 - June 2018

  • Mount Pleasant High School 

    • Social Studies/Special Education Teacher, 2013 - 2017

  • ​P.S. duPont Middle School

    • 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher, 2012 - 2013

• Christina School District

  • Glasgow High School

    • Social Studies Teacher, 2010 - 2012

• Eastside Charter School

  • Grades 5-8 Social Studies Teacher, 2009 - 2010

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Leadership & Community

• Board Member, Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) (2022-2023)

• President, Brandywine Education Foundation (2015 - 2020), Vice President (2020-Present)

• Member, Brandywine School District Referendum Accountability Committee (2012-2015)

• Chairman, Brandywine School District Referendum Increasing Academic Achievement Committee

• Head Academic Judge, Annual Glasgow High School JROTC Drill and Colors Classic Competition (2012 - 2019)