Parents urge extension of tutoring after yearlong math-teacher shortage; mayor endorses incoming superintendent

Several members of the public spoke at the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 21, raising community supports and urgent instructional concerns.

Raelyn Harmon, founder of the nonprofit Teacher's Teammates, described the organization's work collecting surplus school supplies for schools in Delaware County where at least 65% of students qualify for the national school-lunch program. Harmon said the group provides both teacher-ordered deliveries and bulk distributions, operates a warehouse near the district and relies on volunteers and transitional students to manage inventory.

A parent, Erica Hickerson, told the board she and other families have been "shocked" that Sharon Hill seventh graders lacked a regular math teacher for most of the year and described inconsistent instruction, missing benchmarks and out-of-pocket tutoring expenses. "If the quality of education for my child is going to continue to diminish, then what am I paying for?" she asked, and requested the district extend tutoring funding into summer and beyond so students can enter eighth grade prepared. Hickerson said parents started a petition and urged the board to prioritize instructional continuity alongside facility investments.

In response, Dr. Sanchez and other administrators said the district had planned tutoring through the end of the school year and that an extension is possible; Dr. Sanchez offered to meet with parents immediately after the meeting or the next morning to work through options. District staff also said a certified math teacher was rotated through Sharon Hill one day per week to provide some direct instruction while the district worked to recruit permanent staff.

Mayor Donna Mateo Espadilla addressed the board to urge approval of Dr. Jeffrey Ryan as the next superintendent, saying he has longstanding ties to Southeast Delco and strong qualifications for the role. The HR committee had recommended Dr. Jeffrey Ryan's appointment to begin June 13, 2026.

Board members acknowledged concerns about teacher shortages, noted nationwide recruitment difficulties for math and special-education teachers, and scheduled follow-up conversations to consider extending tutoring for families who expressed need.

The meeting closed with reminders about upcoming board business meetings and the committee adjourned.