Brandywine School District
16 Great Schools. 1 Strong Community.
Communications
The Office of Communications serves as the bridge between our schools, the community, and beyond. We are dedicated to providing clear, accurate, and timely information that supports our district's mission and enhances the educational experience of all students.
Dr. Bill O'Hanlon, Communications Officer
Mikaelyn Austin, Senior Marketing Specialist
- Flyer/Material Distribution
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
- Media Relations & Requests
- School Closings & Delays
- Social Media
- Event/Coverage Request
Flyer/Material Distribution
Distribution and/or posting of literature, flyers, brochures, posters, signs, announcements, coupons, and/or advertisements (collectively, “Communications”) by non-Brandywine School District groups or organizations must be approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee. If the Communication is approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee, the building principal(s) have the discretion to determine if, when, and where such Communication will be distributed or posted in his/her school.
Only non-profit organizations and groups will be considered for approval for the distribution of materials. Groups may be requested to submit documentation verifying non-profit status.
In order to be approved for distribution and/or posting, the activity promoted by the Communication must provide a valuable service or benefit to the students or school community, such as before- or after-school care, educational opportunities, and/or the promotion of health and fitness, cultural arts, and academics consistent with the mission and curriculum of the Brandywine School District. The sponsoring group must present the Communication to the Office of the Superintendent for approval prior to contacting the individual principal(s). Approved materials must be copied by the sponsoring group or organization and delivered to the schools. Upon approval of materials, the Superintendent or his/her designee will provide the organization or group specific distribution protocols for each of the schools. The Brandywine School District will not be responsible for making copies, delivering copies, or emailing materials on behalf of any outside agencies.
Effective August 6, 2012, the following language must appear on the Communication in order for it to be approved for distribution:
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Brandywine School District. The Brandywine School District has neither reviewed nor approved the program, personnel, activities, or organizations announced in this flyer. Permission to distribute this flyer should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement of the program by the school district. The Brandywine School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action or claim filed arising out of the distribution of these materials, including all costs, attorney’s fees, and judgments or awards.
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Brandywine School District. The Brandywine School District has neither reviewed nor approved the program, personnel, activities, or organizations announced in this flyer. Permission to distribute this flyer should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement of the program by the school district. The Brandywine School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action or claim filed arising out of the distribution of these materials, including all costs, attorney’s fees, and judgments or awards.
Organizations that operate strictly for profit will not be permitted to distribute materials to students or staff. Should such an activity be considered a valuable service or benefit to the students or school community, permission may be granted by a school principal to post the communication in the school.
To submit a flyer or brochure for approval, please contact the District's Communication Officer (or designee) by email or by calling 302-793-5000.
Note:
* Because there is so much information going out to students during the first and last two weeks of school, no literature will be distributed from outside organizations during those time periods.
* Please note that signs advertising for-profit businesses and programs are not permitted on school grounds and will be removed. Small signs with information about education-related non-profit organizations or events may be posted with permission
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
What is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
A FOIA request is a written request to inspect and copy the public records of the Brandywine School District. The public records of the District include any written or recorded information that is owned, made, used, retained, received, produced, composed, drafted, or otherwise compiled or collected by the District relating to the operations and purpose of the District. Public records do not include information that are protected by law from public access such as personnel and student records.
See The Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del. C. Chapter 100 and Board of Education Policy 2.7 .
What information must my FOIA request include?
Your request should be as specific as possible in describing the record(s) or information you seek to enable the District to locate the records. After receiving your request, the FOIA Coordinator may contact you to provide additional information to assist in locating the record that you seek to inspect. If those records are actually in the possession or control of another public body, the FOIA Coordinator will forward your request to that public body and notify you that your request has been forwarded.
What happens when I submit my FOIA request?
Within 15 business days of receiving your request, the District will notify you that it has received your request and inform you as to whether (1) the records are available for you to inspect and copy; (2) all or some of the records you seek are not the public Records of the District; or (3) the District needs more time in locating the records that you seek. If the records are available, you will be asked to schedule an appointment to review the information at the District's Administrative Offices between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please allow time in the afternoon to inspect the record, since you will be asked to leave the Administrative Office at 4:00 PM. The District processes all requests in a "date received" order.
Please note that FOIA does not require the District to create records, or prepare summaries or compilations of records in response to a FOIA request. In some circumstances voluminous records may be responsive to the FOIA request. Requests to create a record, or prepare summaries or compilations of records are addressed under Board Policy 02.10.
Is there a cost associated with a FOIA request?
Your request should be as specific as possible in describing the record(s) or information you seek to enable the District to locate the records. After receiving your request, the FOIA Coordinator may contact you to provide additional information to assist in locating the record that you seek to inspect. If those records are actually in the possession or control of another public body, the FOIA Coordinator will forward your request to that public body and notify you that your request has been forwarded.
What happens when I submit my FOIA request?
Within 15 business days of receiving your request, the District will notify you that it has received your request and inform you as to whether (1) the records are available for you to inspect and copy; (2) all or some of the records you seek are not the public Records of the District; or (3) the District needs more time in locating the records that you seek. If the records are available, you will be asked to schedule an appointment to review the information at the District's Administrative Offices between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please allow time in the afternoon to inspect the record, since you will be asked to leave the Administrative Office at 4:00 PM. The District processes all requests in a "date received" order.
Please note that FOIA does not require the District to create records, or prepare summaries or compilations of records in response to a FOIA request. In some circumstances voluminous records may be responsive to the FOIA request. Requests to create a record, or prepare summaries or compilations of records are addressed under Board Policy 02.10.
Is there a cost associated with a FOIA request?
Sections 6 and 7 of the District’s FOIA Policy sets forth both the copying and administrative fees associated with the fulfillment of a FOIA request. Under the Policy, the first twenty standard sized pages are provided free of charge to the requestor. After that, copies are $0.10 per printed page ($0.20 for two sided pages) Please refer to the District’s full FOIA Policy for other charges.
How do I submit a FOIA request?
How do I submit a FOIA request?
Freedom of Information Act Online Request Form - This is an online form that will automatically be emailed to the FOIA Coordinator.
Freedom of Information Act Request Form - FOR PRINT AND MAIL ONLY. You will need to mail or fax this form to the FOIA Coordinator.
Mail to:
Brandywine School District Administrative Office
1311 Brandywine Blvd.
Wilmington, DE 19809
Fax to:
Attn: Tia Harris
FOIA Coordinator
302-765-1995
- Double-click the attachment.
- Acrobat will prompt you to select a response file.
All requests will be submitted to and processed by the District’s FOIA Coordinator—Tia Harris. You may submit FOIA requests by following one of these three steps:
- Complete and submit the FOIA Request Form to the FOIA Coordinator.
- Print, complete and submit the FOIA Request Form to the FOIA Coordinator by hand deliver, email, regular mail or fax.
- Create a written request and submit it to the FOIA Coordinator by hand deliver, email, regular mail or fax.
If you choose not to use either of the forms provided on this site, be sure that your written request includes your contact information, and identifies the specific records you wish to inspect as completely as possible.
Hand-deliver or mail requests to the FOIA Coordinator at:
Brandywine School District Administrative Office
1311 Brandywine Boulevard
Wilmington, DE 19809
E-mail requests to the FOIA Coordinator at:
tia.harris@bsd.k12.de.us
Fax requests to the FOIA Coordinator at:
FOIA Coordinator
Fax: 302-765-1995
The FOIA Coordinator can be contacted at 302-793-5002.
Media Relations & Requests
Dr. Bill O'Hanlon
Communications Officer
Communications Officer
Main Office: (302) 793-5068
Email: william.ohanlon@bsd.k12.de.us
Email: william.ohanlon@bsd.k12.de.us
Members of the press will be permitted on school grounds only if prior arrangements have been made with the District Communications Officer. Students are not permitted to be interviewed without explicit parental consent either verbally or in writing. Brandywine School District and parent/guardian permission must be secured before students can be interviewed, photographed or filmed by media representatives. Visitors from the press must be accompanied by a staff member at all times.
School Closings & Delays
Social Media
Event/Coverage Request
We strive to highlight as many district events as possible, but please note that coverage is not guaranteed due to scheduling and resource constraints.
To ensure your event is considered for coverage, please fill out the Event/Coverage Request form below with advance notice. This will help us better assess our ability to accommodate your request.
For further assistance or specific inquiries, please contact our Communications Office at info@bsd.k12.de.us