Name: Dr. David Toth

Title: Superintendent

Organisation: Crestwood Local Schools in the United States

Dr. David Toth's background comprises decisive leadership and diverse experience that has played an integral role in enhancing various projects, programs, and other initiatives in each position that he has assumed thus far.

He is well-versed in all academic and district operations facets, from student-centric curriculum planning to committee leadership, community engagements, extracurricular programming, budgeting, and administrative leadership.

David is also extremely passionate about blending academia with cost-effective management to optimize organizational leadership efforts and yield positive outcomes.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Dr. Toth's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging aspect of my role has been working with the board of education members that need help understanding their roles or have personal agendas. Refocusing these members on the rationale and mission of the school, which is the students, is often tricky.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

When I became a teacher, I always wanted to significantly impact the organization and, thus, children's lives. So instead of being in the background, I wanted to be at the forefront of improving our students' educational outcomes and experience.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

That is a great question. First, I meditate and sometimes exercise. I will exercise every day in the morning or the evenings.

I meditate for at least 10 minutes daily and work out at least 45 minutes daily. I shower and then get ready for work. Drive to work, where I will also listen to a safe driving mindfulness program.

If I don't have a meeting, I check my email and calendar and plan my day once I get to work. Every day can be different in my role, but typically I attend meetings, answer calls and emails, visit school buildings and put out fires.

At the end of the day, I will either work out or go straight home to my family, unless I have an after school function.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I am constantly reminded daily to stay in the present, not the past or the future. It keeps me grounded.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

A local author and book titled "In the Heart of Peaceful Heroes" by Roger F. Cram. The book made me examine my values and appreciate the good in humanity.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Meditate and Exercise!

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I have a student whom I dealt with often as an assistant principal. The student was often in trouble, did not get along with his teachers, and was truant from class often. I worked with this student to keep him in school because I knew he had talent when working with his hands.

Eventually, we got him into a trade school, and he flourished. He is now a successful underwater welder.