By Arena Blake
Chief Communications Officer
Dr. Thomas O’Neal, an experienced administrator with deep roots in the Sherman community, was named deputy superintendent of Sherman ISD on June 6.
Dr. Thomas O'Neal
Deputy Superintendent
O’Neal, who is entering his 30th year in education, served for 10 years in Sherman ISD as an elementary school principal, high school assistant principal, and high school principal. While he was the principal at Fairview Elementary School, the campus earned recognition at the national level for parental involvement and also received ratings of exemplary and recognized from the Texas Education Agency for student performance. Under his leadership at Sherman High School, the campus was named to Newsweek’s list of top high schools in the nation, as well as Texas Monthly’s Best Public Schools list.
“We have an amazing legacy in Sherman ISD, and Dr. O’Neal’s proven leadership and experience will be great assets as we continue to advance,” said Superintendent Dr. Tyson Bennett. “He also lives in our community, his children attended Sherman schools since kindergarten and graduated from Sherman High School, and he represents the values and qualities that make Sherman a wonderful place.”
O’Neal is currently the deputy superintendent and chief financial officer of Anna ISD, where he has worked for the last 14 years. His tenure in Anna included stints as the high school principal, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and assistant superintendent of human resources. During this time, the district successfully passed a TRE and a $155 million bond election, has annually added to the district’s fund balance, and has continuously received superior ratings in the state’s financial accountability system.
During his time in Anna, O’Neal gained a unique understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing fast-growth school districts. Under his leadership, Anna High School increased student opportunities for career and technical education, implemented a Pre-AP/AP program and earned a recognized rating from the Texas Education Agency.
“I am thrilled to return to Sherman, where I began my career as an administrator and where my daughters attended school,” Dr. O’Neal said. “There are many exciting opportunities ahead for this community as it continues to grow and thrive, and I am honored to have the chance to serve the students and families of Sherman ISD.”
O’Neal has resided and been a part of the Sherman community since 1998. His wife, Jill, is the former principal at Crutchfield Elementary and current executive director of human resources for SISD. He is the proud father of Brittney and Bethany, both Sherman High alumni. Brittney is a graduate of Texas Tech University and is a trauma nurse at University Medical Center in Lubbock. Bethany, a graduate of West Texas A&M University, works for Amarillo National Bank, and is currently completing her MBA.
Dr. O’Neal began his career as a high school science teacher in Lamesa and Midland ISDs before moving to Sherman. He earned his superintendent’s certificate and doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of North Texas. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and his bachelor’s degree from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. Dr. O’Neal is also certified as a Registered Texas School Business Administrator (RTSBA) through the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO).
