Herbert O'Neil, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools

Herbert O’Neil serves as the Superintendent of Hempstead Independent School District. Since taking the leadership position in May 2022, Mr. O’Neil has been dedicated to taking the students, staff, and community to Higher Heights.

In 2022, he launched a communitywide literacy initiative, Hempstead Reads, a free interactive bilingual early literacy program available to all children ages 0-3rd Grade in Hempstead, TX. He has also created new ways to celebrate students, staff, and community members and is building an undeniable sense of Bobcat pride across Hempstead ISD schools and the community. Additionally, he has developed new initiatives to offer employees coaching, mentorship, and professional development through Higher Heights University.

Under his leadership, Hempstead ISD has developed a new five-year strategic plan, Learning & Leading to Higher Heights, launched in 2023. This roadmap to the future ensures that Hempstead ISD will equip students with the necessary tools to attain their maximum potential and prepare them for success in college, career, military and life by providing consistent, comprehensive, high-quality education. In tandem with this, the district has also finalized a long-range facilities plan, laying the groundwork for safe and sustainable facilities now and into the future. Additionally, the creation of the 'Bobcat Blueprint' under his guidance marks a significant step towards the transformative journey of Hempstead ISD.

After guiding the district through its first long-range facilities plan the Board of Trustees called a 2024 Bond for the first time in almost two decades in Hempstead ISD. The bond was to address safe, secure, and functional facilities in Hempstead ISD. The $45.7 million bond was passed overwhelmingly by the Hempstead community. The bond will build a new Early Childhood Center, address safety at all campuses through enclosed connectors, as well as add a new band hall and cafeteria at Hempstead High School. There will be the addition of a synthetic turf field and a new track at Bobcat Stadium as well as updates to our baseball facility and a new gymnasium at Hempstead Middle School. The bond also addresses life cycle updates to HVAC and roofs.

Additionally, Mr. O'Neil was named a 2024 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association because of his demonstration of dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

Mr. O’Neil continues to expand new opportunities for students to earn college credit and industry certifications following graduation. Hempstead ISD will open an Early College High School in Fall 2024, allowing students to earn an associate’s degree while earning a high school diploma. Nurturing district partnerships with Blinn College and Prairie View A&M University has allowed both students and staff to access a diverse range of educational opportunities. Throughout his career, Mr. O’Neil has remained focused on ensuring both students and teachers are provided opportunities to excel and grow under his leadership.

Before embarking on a career in education, he attended Prairie View A&M University, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and his master’s degree in educational administration. After graduating, the Hearne, Texas native began his career as an English teacher and coach in Waller ISD. He went on to serve as a campus principal at the intermediate, middle, and high school levels, as a central office administrator in human resources, leadership and instruction, and most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership in Greenville ISD.

Mr. O’Neil is proud of being raised by educators who inspired him to become a teacher and eventually, an educational leader. He is excited to return to his home away from home and is committed to the success of each student in Hempstead ISD.