Dr. Susannah O’Bara has been named Denton ISD’s new Deputy Superintendent, effective July 1. As Deputy Superintendent, Dr. O’Bara will oversee district curriculum, instruction, staff development and academic programs.
Dr. O’Bara will assume the duties of Dr. Mike Mattingly, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Most recently the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Programs, Dr. O’Bara has overseen the academic programs and operations at all 43 Denton ISD campuses for the past three years.
She brings more than two decades of administrative experience to her new role as Deputy Superintendent.
“One of my greatest joys is being in a position to give back to my hometown through education – my professional passion,” Dr. O’Bara said. “Working alongside educators that impacted my own life and training educators who are some of my former students is an experience I will cherish and hope to build upon for many years.”
A graduate of Denton High School and a lifelong Denton resident, Dr. O’Bara has extensive knowledge of Denton ISD and its history. As the district continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, Dr. O’Bara’s wealth of local experience will help propel Denton ISD forward. Dr. O’Bara helped design and establish a vision for new elementary schools built in the district, along with High School No. 5, which will be built in the town of Cross Roads as a result of the 2023 bond referendum.
Prior to serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Academic Programs, Dr. O’Bara was the Area Superintendent of the Guyer High School Zone for four years. Before that, Dr. O’Bara was the principal of Hawk Elementary School for nine years.
Dr. O’Bara has presented professional development opportunities at numerous school districts across the state as well as several state conferences. In 2013, Dr. O'Bara was a finalist for the Texas National Distinguished Principal Award.
She received her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of North Texas and her master's degree in educational leadership from Texas Woman's University. She completed her doctoral studies at the University of North Texas in the spring of 2023.
