New superintendent named in Dallas County

provided by Dallas County R-1 School District

Laura O'Quinn has been appointed as the new superintendent of the Dallas County R-1 School District.

A new superintendent has been appointed to lead the Dallas County R-1 School District, which serves some 1,600 students in the system that's about 35 miles north of Springfield.

Laura O'Quinn, currently the district's deputy superintendent, is taking on the top role following the retirement of Superintendent Tim Ryan, according to a news release. O'Quinn said via email she starts July 1, following Ryan’s June 30 retirement.

"Dr. Ryan has done an outstanding job advancing our school district by improving facilities and strengthening our financial standing," said Travis Dill, president of the Dallas County school board, in the release. "We are confident Dr. O'Quinn will continue this work in leading our district on a path to success. We believe in her ability to keep Dallas County schools moving in a positive direction for many years to come."

Ryan has served as the district's superintendent since 2015.

With 22 years of educational experience, O'Quinn started working as deputy superintendent at the Dallas County R-1 School District in the 2024-25 academic year, according to the district's website. Her career experience also includes time as assistant superintendent in the Lebanon School District.

"Learning alongside Dr. Ryan this year has been an incredible blessing. I look forward to continuing the district's goals and priorities and am excited about what the future holds for Dallas County R-1 Schools," O'Quinn said in the release.