Richard O’Neill has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and Philosophy from Immaculate Heart College, a Master of Business Administration from Claremont Graduate University, a teaching certificate from the University of La Verne, and a Master of Education degree from UCLA's Principal's Leadership Institute. He studied human resources under the late Peter F. Drucker in Tokyo, Japan, and was a researcher for UCLA's Anderson School.

Richard is a retired teacher of 27 years, he taught Math, English, Personal Finance, and Film Studies at Claremont High School. Richard and his wife, Merrilyn, have lived in Claremont for 45 years. They have four children who attended Condit, Sycamore, and Vista del Valle Elementary Schools, El Roble Intermediate School, and Claremont High School. 

During his time as a CUSD teacher, he was President of the Claremont Faculty Association (CFA). He also contributed work on what is now the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). 

Mr. O'Neill is the first representative to the board for CUSD's Trustee Area 3.