Tony L. Runnels, Jr.
14127 Willow Mountain Lane Houston,TX
Summary
Servant Leader with over 30 years of experience in public education, dedicated to fostering student success and enhancing outcomes for the entire learning community. Proven track record in implementing support systems and providing adequate resources to promote positive educational experiences. Expertise in advocacy for student needs and continuous encouragement within diverse learning environments. Committed to empowering educators and students alike to achieve their fullest potential.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
District Administrator
Sheldon ISD
Houston, TX
09.2025 - Current
- Led district-wide operational initiatives to enhance educational effectiveness and resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for academic programs, aligning with district goals.
- Streamlined administrative processes, improving efficiency in communication and reporting systems.
- Mentored staff in best practices for compliance with federal and state regulations.
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools
Wharton Independent School District
Wharton , TX 77488
06.2023 - 07.2025
- Developed and implemented a solid instructional program for grades 6-12.
- Worked with campus principals to ensure the development of successful academic programs.
- Assisted the Superintendent in the day-to-day operations of the Wharton Independent School District.
- Built exemplary on-the-job expertise from partnering closely with superintendent and other top leadership.
- Coordinated the entire transition of moving Wharton Junior High into a new building. This included ordering furniture and supplies for the facility. Responsibilities ranged from designating room assignments to working with contractors and local municipalities to ensure a smooth transition into the new building. This project had a budget of $30,694,000.00
High School Principal
Royal Independent School District
Brookshire, Texas
08.2016 - 05.2023
- Responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and operations of the campus.
- Developed and implemented an effective curriculum that promoted college readiness for high school graduates.
- Created and developed a strong Advanced Academics Program, which included 10 (AP) Advanced Placement courses, and a Dual Credit/Early College Program with an associate's degree. Also, an On-Ramps Program (Dual Enrollment) that provides students college courses through The University of Texas.
- Grew a CTE (Career and Technical Education) program to 13 industry-based certifications.
Associate Principal
Royal Independent School District
Brookshire, Texas
01.2015 - 07.2016
- Assisted the building principal in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the campus.
- Developed the master schedule and implemented a solid curriculum on campus.
High School Principal
Hempstead Independent School District
Hempstead, TX
10.2013 - 12.2014
- Collaborated with various departments to support and establish programs, lessons and student activities.
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Presented resources and opportunities to teaching staff for further professional development and curriculum training courses.
Assistant Principal
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
Houston, Texas
07.2008 - 10.2013
- Assisted the principal in the day-to-day maintenance and operations of the campus.
- Responsible for helping to implement and evaluate an effective curriculum, which promotes academic success.
- Supervised campus attendance and dropout prevention.
Associate Principal
Fort Bend Independent School District
Missouri City, Texas
06.2007 - 06.2008
- Responsible for the day to day operations of the campus and supporting the principal in the implementation of an effective academic curriculum which promotes academic success
- Responsible for campus staffing, both instructional and non-instructional
- Campus Safety Coordinator, attendance, and senior graduation
Lead Assistant Principal
Alief Independent School District
Houston, Texas
06.2005 - 06.2007
- Responsible for assisting the principal in the day to day operations of the campus and helping to implement and evaluate an effective academic curriculum which promotes student success
- Campus staff development coordinator
- First year assistant principal mentor and administrative intern coordinator
- District insurance/benefits committee member (Alief ISD Risk Management Dept.)
Assistant Principal
Alief Independent School District
Houston, Texas
06.2002 - 06.2005
- Responsible for assisting the principal in the day to day operations of the campus and helping to implement an effective curriculum which promotes academic success
- Campus Safety Coordinator
- Responsible for establishing an Above and Beyond program which promotes Professional Learning Communities and fosters campus success
- The program is currently being used at Hastings High School
High School Biology Teacher
Alief Independent School District
Houston, TX
08.2000 - 06.2002
- Managed consistent, learning-focused classroom environments by establishing and communicating clear objectives for students.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
- Explained proper lab techniques to students.
- Demonstrated scientific concepts through use of laboratory experiment, charts, sketches, and other instructional aids.
- Provided individual and small group instruction in order to adapt curriculum to needs of each pupil.
Middle School Science Teacher
Beaumont Independent School District
Beaumont, TX
08.1994 - 07.2000
- Collaborated with student teachers, specialists and school leaders to give each student best possible education.
- Maintained safe and organized laboratory environment.
- Managed classroom environment to create a safe and productive learning space.
- Assessed student progress with course material through routine quizzes, final examinations, and standardized assessments.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units that connect science with other subjects.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Texas Southern University
Houston, TXMaster of Science - Education Administration
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX05-2001
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX08-1994
Skills
- Community engagement
- School safety
- Instructional leadership
- Continuous improvement
- Public speaking
- Facilities management
- Legal compliance
- Fiscal planning
- Stakeholder communication
- Crisis management
- Program implementation
- Community relations
- Leadership and vision
- Recruitment and hiring
Accomplishments
2013-Outstanding Principal Award Region 4
2018-Outstanding Principal Award Region 4
2018-Grand Marshal MLK Grande Parade (Downtown Houston) Honored for Educational Leadership
2018-A-Rating for CCMR (College, Career, Military, Readiness)
2019-TEA Model Campus for College and Career Readiness
2022-Imagine Excellence Award for Leadership (Greater Houston)
2017-2019- (100% Graduation Rate)
Certification
- Superintendent
- Principal
- TPESS
- ILD/PDAS
- USATF-Certified National Official
Professional Organizations
- Texas Association of School Administrators
- Texas Alliance of Black School Educators
- College Advisory Board -Prairie View A&M University
- Texas High School Coaches Association
- Susan Komen Breast Cancer Pink Tie Ambassador (Houston, Texas)
- United States Track and Field Member
Education
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References
Dr. Walter Jackson, Superintendent
LaPorte ISD
281-604-7015
Email: Jacksonwg@lpisd.org
Dr. Michael O'Guin, Superintendent (Retired)
Wharton ISD
832-877-8023
Email: moguin5@gmail.com
Dr. Kendra Pittman, Superintendent
Peaster ISD
972-896-5733
Email: kpittman@peaster.com
Timeline
District Administrator
Sheldon ISD
09.2025 - Current
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools
Wharton Independent School District
06.2023 - 07.2025
High School Principal
Royal Independent School District
08.2016 - 05.2023
Associate Principal
Royal Independent School District
01.2015 - 07.2016
High School Principal
Hempstead Independent School District
10.2013 - 12.2014
Assistant Principal
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
07.2008 - 10.2013
Associate Principal
Fort Bend Independent School District
06.2007 - 06.2008
Lead Assistant Principal
Alief Independent School District
06.2005 - 06.2007
Assistant Principal
Alief Independent School District
06.2002 - 06.2005
High School Biology Teacher
Alief Independent School District
08.2000 - 06.2002
Middle School Science Teacher
Beaumont Independent School District
08.1994 - 07.2000
Master of Science - Education Administration
Prairie View A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Prairie View A&M University
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Texas Southern University