Herbert O'Neil, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools

Herbert O’Neil serves as Superintendent of Hempstead Independent School District, where he has led a districtwide transformation focused on higher expectations, stronger systems, and improved outcomes for students. Since joining Hempstead ISD in May 2022, Mr. O’Neil has remained committed to taking the district, its students, staff, and community to Higher Heights.

When Superintendent O’Neil arrived, Hempstead ISD was rated an F with a score of 58. Since that time, the district has experienced significant academic improvement. In 2026, Hempstead ISD earned a score of 77, a 19-point increase since 2022. Hempstead High School improved from 59 to 77, Hempstead Elementary School improved from 60 to 71, and Hempstead Middle School increased from 59 to 86, earning a B+ rating. The 2026 results marked the first time a Hempstead ISD campus earned a B rating, and the district finished the 2025-2026 school year with no D- or F-rated campuses. Hempstead Middle School also earned two Texas Education Agency Distinction Designations.

Additionally, Superintendent O’Neil led the development of Hempstead ISD’s five-year strategic plan, Learning & Leading to Higher Heights, which continues to guide the district’s work in academics, leadership, student support, safety, communication, and organizational improvement.

Under his leadership, Hempstead ISD has expanded opportunities for students through the opening of Hempstead Early College High School in Fall 2024, allowing students to earn an associate degree while completing their high school diploma. Partnerships with Blinn College, Prairie View A&M University, and other organizations have also expanded college, career, and professional learning opportunities.

O’Neil also led the district through the development of its first comprehensive long-range facilities plan. In May 2024, the Hempstead community overwhelmingly approved a $45.7 million bond program, the district’s first bond election in nearly two decades. The bond is funding a new Early Childhood Center, campus safety improvements, facility additions and renovations, Fine Arts improvements, athletic upgrades, and other projects designed to serve students for generations to come.

His leadership has earned recognition beyond Hempstead ISD. Superintendent O’Neil was named a 2024 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association and was named a Region IV Superintendent of the Year finalist in 2026.

O’Neil brings more than two decades of experience in public education, including service as a teacher, coach, campus principal at multiple levels, central office administrator, and Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership. A native of Hearne, Texas, he earned both his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and master’s degree in educational administration from Prairie View A&M University.

Raised by lifelong educators, Superintendent O’Neil remains committed to ensuring every student has access to excellent schools, outstanding educators, and opportunities without limits.

Expect More. Achieve More. Learning Without Limits.