Klein ISD Names Assistant Chief Runnels as Next Chief of Police
The Klein ISD Board of Trustees has approved Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown’s recommendation to appoint Assistant Police Chief Marlon Runnels as the new Klein ISD Chief of Police.
The official naming, effective July 1, 2022, comes after longtime Chief David Kimberly announced his retirement earlier this month after 27 years of dedicated service.
“Chief Marlon Runnels is always committed to the safety and well-being of our Klein ISD students, staff, and community,” Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown said. “His genuine care for our Klein Family coupled with his law enforcement expertise and leadership experience truly makes him the best fit for this extremely important position. Without a doubt, with Marlon Runnels as our new Police Chief, Klein ISD is in good hands, our tradition of excellence in school policing will continue, and I look forward to seeing all of the amazing things the first and finest school district police department in the state of Texas will achieve with Chief Runnels at the helm.”
Chief Runnels is a resourceful, seasoned police administrator who holds nearly 16 years of experience — with almost 10 years in Klein ISD — providing protection, safety, and security to students throughout the greater Houston area. His former roles include Klein ISD Assistant Chief and Police Sergeant, Montgomery ISD Chief of Police, Galveston County Sheriff’s Deputy, and Conroe Police Department Probationary Patrol Officer. Chief Runnels has also bravely served our country as a Corporal for the United States Marine Corps Reserve and experienced combat in Iraq.
Runnels is proud to have served under the guidance of his mentor and former supervisor, newly-retired Klein ISD Police Chief David Kimberly and credits his extensive experience in school policing to the former chief.
“My direct mentorship with former Klein ISD Police Chief David Kimberly has afforded me the unique opportunity to be aware of the specific needs of Klein ISD,” Chief Runnels said. “As a Klein ISD parent and law enforcement professional, I welcome the opportunity to continue to support the growth, needs, and overall safety of our Klein Family.”
Chief Runnels is a Houston native — born and raised in the Fifth Ward — graduating from Barbara Jordan High School and earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice from Texas Southern University.
Chief Runnels is also active in the policing community and holds many affiliations with organizations such as Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA), Houston Area Police Chiefs Association (HAPCA), FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), and Leadership North Houston Class XXVII. Additionally, he has garnered many awards and accolades, including Campus Safety Magazine Safety Director of the Year (Runner Up- 2019-2020), Former 3rd VP of Texas ISD Police Chiefs Association, and FBI LEEDA Trilogy Recipient.
“I believe employee empowerment and innovation are essential tenants to the long-term viability of a school-based law enforcement agency,” Runnels said. “I am blessed to lead a phenomenal group of men and women who come to work every day to make a positive impact for every student in our Klein family.”
Congratulations to Chief Runnels! Your Klein Family is ecstatic to have you leading our Klein ISD Police Department!
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
Help Us Share Your Story
There are so many incredible individuals in the Klein Family making a lasting impact on our community. We want to recognize and celebrate our leaders and learners that are cultivating talent, building relationships, reimagining learning and making Promise2Purpose a reality daily. Share your story here: https://kleinfamily.net
