Strength in Team Staff Spotlight: Dane Runyon, Technology Department

This year, we will be highlighting the people who contribute to the strength of our team by making our schools and our district such a special place for students. 

 

Dane Runyon, network coordinator for the Upper Arlington Schools Technology Department

How do you contribute to your school/department and the school district as a whole? I primarily support the systems that manage all the Apple devices and classroom tools staff and students use. I work with almost every department in the district, from students and families to teachers and administrators. We have just over 10,000 Macs, iPads, and Apple TVs, so I get to interact with a lot of people.

What inspires you / motivates you in your role? Staying current with emerging technologies and helping to create a stable tech environment where folks can be confident in their tools. Seeing teachers rock the tech in the classrooms is super inspiring!

What is a memorable moment, or your proudest moment, in your 12 years with UA Schools? My favorite memory is playing bass guitar in a band with Dulcy Delcamp at Windermere when head custodian Darryl Schirtzinger retired. We performed Days by the Kinks for the whole school, with parents and Darryl’s family in attendance. This memory encapsulates the wholesomeness of working in the schools. People are genuinely supportive and appreciative!

What brings you joy outside of work? When I’m not working, I love to get my hands dirty in the garden and around the house. I also enjoy motocamping, experimenting with different coffee brewing methods, and relaxing with my wife and our cats.

What Technology Director Henry Bonath has to say about Dane: Dane is the most senior member of the technology department, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Having spent time working at nearly every level of our team over the years, he plays a key role in keeping our technology devices running smoothly.

Most of the time, you'll find Dane working behind the scenes, as he manages every single iPad, MacBook, and Apple TV for all students and staff. He's also the powerhouse behind our Jamf and FileWave systems, keeping a watchful eye on nearly every app used on our devices to ensure that everyone always has everything that they need.

What really stands out about Dane is his incredible attention to detail and his knack for tackling any technical challenge head-on. With all standardized tests being administered digitally, he ensures that we are always compliant. So no matter if it's time for the PSAT, ACT or Ohio standardized tests, we can rest easy knowing that our devices “just work”.

On top of his tech skills, Dane has a fantastic attitude and a strong work ethic that he brings to every task. He’s also a skilled musician! Whether he's untangling a complex issue or having a casual chat about coffee, music, or guitars, he's always up for a friendly conversation and is someone I have grown to rely on for his insights.

Although Dane's contributions might sometimes feel thankless and invisible, we'd be absolutely lost without him. The seamless tech experience we all take for granted is largely thanks to his commitment and hard work. Dane truly is an asset to Upper Arlington Schools, and I am incredibly grateful to have him on my team.