In this episode of Leaders Saving Lives, host Todd Schmid sits down with David Wildy, Chief Technology Officer at Dublin Unified School District, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about student safety, cybersecurity, and the realities of keeping students protected in an always-connected world.

David breaks down how Dublin Unified approaches digital citizenship, cybersecurity communication, classroom technology use, and managing alerts both during and after school hours. He also shares how off-network platforms like Discord and Reddit complicate student safety, what cell phone bans have changed, and how teachers rely on classroom management tools to keep students focused. This conversation offers a grounded look at the systems, people, and collaboration required to keep students safe online and on campus.

Key Moments

06:42 Communicating cybersecurity threats without creating fear

13:10 Why bullying continues beyond the school day

17:53 What statewide cell phone bans changed for students

23:20 Hidden text, Google Docs chats, and clever student workarounds

28:05 Responding to alerts about bullying, self harm, and threats

34:11 After hours notifications, phone trees, and wellness checks

40:18 How classroom management tools help teachers redirect students

45:03 Students trying to bypass filters more than they stay on task

49:22 Balancing security and innovation with tools like GitHub

55:10 Challenges with Vimeo and dual credit coursework

58:44 If resources were unlimited: digital equity for every learner

Connect with David Wildly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wildy-mpa-ba41b95

Company Website: https://www.dublinusd.org/

In today’s episode, host Todd Schmid sits down with Paul Frisina, Executive Director of Special Education and Student Support Services at Sulphur Springs Union School District in Santa Clarita, California. Paul shares his 25-year journey from school psychologist to district leader and offers a firsthand look at how his K–6 district is addressing today’s growing mental health needs.

We explore the rise in self-harm among elementary students, safety risks like elopement, and how Sulphur Springs brings together psychologists, social workers, and behavioral teams to provide cohesive, student-centered care. Paul also opens up about partnering with families through conflict, supporting LGBTQ+ students with empathy and respect, and how technology and community providers help extend mental health access beyond the classroom.

Whether you lead student services, special education, or wellness programs, you’ll find practical insights on collaboration, compassion, and keeping the “whole child” at the heart of every decision.

Key Moments

00:00 From school psychologist to executive district leader

04:02 Tackling elopement and campus safety in elementary schools

06:05 Partnering with families while protecting student autonomy

08:01 Addressing post-pandemic rises in self-harm and student threats

10:38 Building a unified student support system (psych–SW–BCBA)

14:12 Using virtual therapy and community partnerships for continuity

18:30 Staff training and proactive identification of at-risk students

22:27 Supporting LGBTQ+ students and navigating family challenges

29:45 Evolving threat assessments for disability-related behaviors

35:14 The power of staffing, teamwork, and proactive leadership

Connect with Paul Frisina

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-frisina-b6109021/
Website: https://www.sssd.k12.ca.us/

Today’s episode features Jim Anderson, Director of Student Support Services at Arcadia Unified School District in California. With nearly 10,000 students in his care, Anderson shares how his district is building a proactive culture of student safety and mental health, tackling one of the most urgent challenges facing schools today.

From suicide prevention policies and crisis teams to wellness centers and digital wellness initiatives, Anderson offers a comprehensive look at how Arcadia is addressing rising student stress, anxiety, and suicide risk. He discusses the pressures students face in high-achievement environments, the importance of early intervention, and the role peers often play in saving lives.

The conversation also explores how staff well-being ties directly to student safety, why every school has a dedicated counselor, and how community partnerships like Care Solace are helping families access critical services. Anderson closes with lessons learned, practical advice for districts beginning this work, and a call to share best practices openly.

Key Moments

05:09 Youth Suicide Prevention Crisis

06:50 Preteen Suicide: Beyond COVID-19 Causes

11:03 "Developing School Cell Phone Policy"

15:36 "Care Solace: Parental Support Services"

17:58 School Crisis Team Overview

22:18 Student Mental Health Reentry Plans

24:00 Reducing Mental Health Stigma in Asians

27:14 "Identifying Students in Distress"

31:26 Organizing Activities for Student Support

32:50 Teachers' Stress and Job Dissatisfaction

Connect with Jim Anderson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-anderson-9b2a233/

Website: https://www.ausd.net/