Orrville board hires Toth as new superintendent
Dr. David Toth
On March 7 the Orrville City Schools Board of Education held a brief meeting and then a reception to formalize the hiring of a new superintendent, Dr. David Toth. The board unanimously voted in favor of the decision to hire Toth, who will begin his new duties on Aug. 1.
He comes to Orrville from the Crestwood Local School District, where he currently serves as superintendent.
Toth will replace longtime Superintendent Jon Ritchie, who stepped down at the end of December. Brett Lanz, who has been the assistant superintendent of schools since 2014, has been serving in an interim capacity since Jan. 1.
“One of the most exciting things I see is the support for the schools here, evidenced by a beautiful campus,” Toth said. “My goal is to maintain excellence and improve areas with the best interests of all students in mind, ensuring that they have a great school experience. I am dedicated to open communication, transparency and active involvement with all stakeholders to ensure everyone’s opinion is heard and appreciated.”
Toth invited the community to join in maintaining and growing a learning environment that fosters curiosity, celebrates diversity and values greatness.
“The board had a pool of strong candidates, which is a tribute to our reputation as a community,” Board President Pat Lorson said. “We conducted a challenging but good and thorough process in selecting a new superintendent. I am proud of the process we used. Dr. Toth brings years of valuable experience, which will benefit us here in Orrville.”
Toth attended the now-defunct St. Peter Chanel High School in Bedford, then earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, a master’s degree from the University of Akron and a doctorate from Youngstown State University. He has been a teacher for students with special needs, a high school assistant principal and principal, and a basketball coach.
Toth has been married to his wife Lori for 26 years and has four children ranging in age from 16-21. He’s also in the process of training his Newfoundland/Labrador mix puppy named Buster to serve as an emotional support dog for students.
“At my current district, I would bring my previous dog to school to support students in the same capacity,” he said. “I am hopeful that Buster will be available in a similar capacity at the beginning of next school year.”
The Orrville School Board is composed of Lorson, Greg Roadruck, Sasha Stark, and newly elected board members Megan Middleton and Jamie Kovacs.
“We have undertaken a thorough process in selecting the new superintendent,” Roadruck said. “The new board has worked well and had great insight.”