Newsom names Santa Clara County schools chief David Toston to state behavioral health commission
The county superintendent, a former school psychologist, will help oversee California's mental health and substance use system.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools David Toston to the state commission that oversees California's behavioral health system, the governor's office announced Oct. 27. Behavioral health covers mental health and substance use care.
Toston, of San Jose, leads the Santa Clara County Office of Education, or SCCOE, the county's education agency. The Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission oversees the state's behavioral health system and helps carry out the Behavioral Health Services Act, according to SCCOE.
"Strengthening behavioral health and well-being strengthens the ability of children and young people to learn and thrive," Toston said in an SCCOE release. He said he would "bring the perspective of public education to this important work."
Toston has been county superintendent since 2025. He started as a teacher and worked as a school psychologist and special education director before holding leadership posts at county education offices in El Dorado and Sutter counties, the governor's office said. The commission seat does not require state Senate confirmation and is unpaid.
SCCOE said it will announce its new strategic plan, called "SCCOE Commitment," next week.
Source: Office of the Governor, appointments, Oct. 27; SCCOE news release, Oct. 28.