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/