SHERMAN, Texas — Sherman ISD Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Thomas O'Neal as the district’s new superintendent.
Dr. O'Neal, who currently serves as acting superintendent, was appointed after the Board of Trustees met and formally hired him Monday afternoon.
"I am excited to continue to serve in the community that has been my home for 26 years. Sherman is where I have lived and raised my daughters while working in various leadership roles in Sherman ISD and Anna ISD," Dr. O'Neal said in a letter shared on the district's website.
Dr. O'Neal has more than 30 years of experience as an educator and has served 10 years in Sherman ISD as an elementary school principal, high school assistant principal, and high school principal, according to the district.
He was named deputy superintendent of Sherman ISD in June 2022.
Dr. O'Neal's incoming tenure as Sherman ISD superintendent comes months after the contentious separation agreement with Dr. Tyson Bennett, who was suspended with pay in March 2024 amid an investigation into a Sherman High School production of “Oklahoma!” that started after a transgender student was initially removed from a role in the show.
The decision to recast the show last year based on a district rule barring students from playing roles that didn’t match their gender assigned at birth drew national media attention and backlash. It prompted protests calling for Sherman High School senior Max Hightower, who is transgender, to be allowed to play in the show.
After the backlash, the district walked back the decision within weeks, saying, "by utilizing a new version that’s age-appropriate, sex will not be considered when casting the new production." The show reportedly continued with the original cast and Hightower in the leading role.
In May 2024, Sherman ISD trustees voted to accept a voluntary separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Tyson Bennett.
Dr. O'Neal said in a Monday letter that Sherman ISD staff is the backbone of the district and he's inspired by their passion and commitment to the students and community.
"To the entire Bearcat family, I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to all we will accomplish together. We are Sherman! #OneTeam," Dr. O'Neal's letter read.
