ABOUT DR. O'HANLON

Dr. Bill O'Hanlon, a dedicated educator and community leader, was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, a city he is proud to still call home. After graduating from St. Mary Magdalen in Wilmington, he attended Concord High School, where his passion for education was ignited, inspiring him to pursue a career in education.

Dr. O'Hanlon's career is marked by numerous significant roles in the private and public sectors, a testament to his competence and expertise. He has worked in the Office of the Mayor of Wilmington under James Baker, Union Park, Inc., and on General Wesley Clark’s 2004 presidential campaign. His extensive experience also includes advising political and community leaders, reflecting his deep commitment to community and leadership.

Dr. O'Hanlon's work spans teaching students from various educational backgrounds and needs, ranging from basic-level learners to high-performing students, and addressing the unique challenges of students in grades 5-12 with emotional and behavioral issues. His teaching portfolio includes subjects such as Government, Economics, World History, Geography, United States History, Comparative Religions, Law in America, Politics, A.V.I.D., and College & Career Readiness. He has also held administrative roles such as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal. He currently serves as the Public Information Officer for the Brandywine School District, proudly contributing to the district that shaped his education.

Dr. O'Hanlon holds teaching certificates in Social Studies, Exceptional Children (Special Education), Business Education, and as a Principal/Assistant Principal. He advocates for equality and opportunity, focusing on closing the opportunity gap rather than just the achievement gap. His commitment to building strong, supportive relationships with students, teachers, and families is a cornerstone of his educational philosophy.

A notable achievement in his career was leading the successful passage of the 2024 Brandywine School District Operational Referendum, which set a record for the largest margin of victory (76.24%) ever recorded in the State of Delaware for any school district operating referendum. This monumental success underscored his leadership capabilities and ability to mobilize and inspire the community toward a common goal.

Dr. O'Hanlon often quotes Maya Angelou, saying, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel." This belief guides his approach to education and leadership, ensuring his impact is profound and lasting.

Testimonials

Education

Ed.D., Gwynedd Mercy University
M.S.Ed., Neumann University
B.A., University of Delaware

Awards & Recognitions

Who's Who of Educators in America 2021-2022

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)

Other Professional Certifications

Ordained Minister, Universal Life Church Ministries
Notary Public, State of Delaware

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

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)