Eric Runez was born in Manila, Philippines, but spent the majority of his childhood in Waterloo, Iowa, where his mother served as a pediatrician and his father as an office manager. Eric and his wife Sara are blessed with three children. Their oldest, Hannah, is completing a doctor of physical therapy program at Creighton University. Brodie, a 2017 graduate of DAHS, is pursuing an engineering degree at the University of St Thomas. Halle attends DAHS and is actively involved in a number of activities including basketball and volleyball.

Eric holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in social studies education and psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. He holds a Masters of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix Cohort Program while in Colorado and completed his Superintendent Certification through Marquette University. He also earned a doctoral degree from Edgewood College in Madison with his dissertation focusing on the role of the superintendent and school board professional development.

Mr. Runez has a diverse teaching and coaching background that includes assignments in Iowa and Colorado prior to relocating to Wisconsin in 2000. He has taught middle school through high school social studies and even served as an educational counselor for at-risk students in the Denver Public Schools. His administrative experience includes serving as principal at Johnson Creek Jr/Sr High School. Prior to coming to DASD, Eric was in the Whitewater Unified School District for 11 years, where he served as their middle school principal for six years, and superintendent for five years. He has coached multiple sports at all levels from community youth programs to high school athletics to AAU programs.

He and his family are pleased to part of a school and greater community that values their schools and supports student access to outstanding educational and co-curricular experiences. That Norski Pride district residents have in their schools is evidenced in words and actions throughout the entire community.