Superintendent · Executive Coach · Speaker
Herbert O’Neil
Vision. Strategy. Results.
Helping school systems, leaders, and communities move from challenge to momentum through clear vision, disciplined strategy, courageous communication, and measurable results.
- SuperintendentHempstead ISD since 2022
- Superintendent to WatchNSPRA, 2023
- AuthorExpect More Leadership Playbook
- HostHigher Heights Unleashed
The results
5877
Hempstead ISD’s state accountability score since 2022: from an F to a C. Every campus climbed, and the middle school gained 27 points.
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33% → 80%
College, career, and military readiness
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$45.7M
Bond passed, the district’s first successful bond in nearly two decades
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200%+
Growth in dual credit
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Zero
D or F campuses
The standard
Expect More. Achieve More. Become More.
Progress is not the finish line. It is the foundation for higher expectations, stronger systems, and greater outcomes. When students, staff, leaders, and communities believe more is possible, they begin to achieve at higher levels.
- 01
Raise the Standard
- 02
Align the System
- 03
Develop the People
- 04
Deliver the Results
Leadership in motion
Celebrating the moments that matter.
Leadership is measured in plans, data, and strategy. It is also seen in the moments when students are celebrated, communities come together, and the work becomes personal.
Leadership impact
The receipts are part of the story.
The work reflects measurable academic progress, stronger systems, improved opportunities, responsible financial stewardship, visible communication, and community momentum.
- 01
District transformation
A districtwide improvement effort focused on instruction, systems, leadership alignment, student opportunity, and measurable progress.
- 02
Historic bond success
Communication and community engagement behind a $45.7 million bond, the district’s first successful bond in nearly two decades.
- 03
Academic momentum
Stronger outcomes, improved accountability, strategic planning, and a clear focus on student growth.
- 04
Expanded opportunity
Early college expansion, dual credit growth, CCMR improvement, and stronger pathways for students after graduation.
- 05
Strategic communication
Video updates, podcasts, newsletters, and community messages that make leadership visible and consistent.
- 06
Culture and visibility
Momentum built through celebration, presence, relationships, accountability, and belief in every student and staff member.
The podcast
Higher Heights Unleashed
A district storytelling platform featuring the students, staff, leaders, and community voices of Hempstead ISD. Every episode celebrates progress, explains priorities, and elevates student voice on the district’s continued climb to #HigherHeights.
About Herbert
Built for moments that require clarity, courage, and results.
Raised by educators, Herbert O’Neil has spent his career in teaching and educational leadership, including large-campus leadership before becoming Superintendent of Hempstead ISD in May 2022. For him, Hempstead was a homecoming.
He believes strong leadership begins with a clear vision, honest relationships, disciplined execution, and the courage to make decisions that move people and organizations forward. He launched Hempstead Reads, a community-wide bilingual early literacy initiative, and Higher Heights University, which gives employees coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
The National School Public Relations Association named him a 2023 Superintendent to Watch for his use of technology to engage and inform the school community.
Work with Herbert
Helping leaders grow with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Executive coaching
One-on-one coaching for superintendents, principals, cabinet leaders, and aspiring education executives.
Leadership teams
Support for teams seeking stronger alignment, communication, trust, and execution.
Keynotes
Leadership messages designed to inspire action and strengthen organizational culture.
Strategic communication
Guidance for leaders communicating through change, transition, celebration, or challenge.
Ready to lead higher?
Connect for speaking, coaching, leadership strategy, or media conversations about building schools and organizations that move with purpose.