Leaders Saving Lives

In today’s episode, host Todd Schmid sits down with Hans Schmitz, Director of MTSS at Manteca Unified School District in California. Together, they dive into the complex world of student safety and mental health, exploring crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, and the multi-layered support systems that help protect and empower kids, especially those most at risk.

You’ll hear about the unique approaches Manteca Unified has taken to coordinate mental health services, including partnering with Valley Community Counseling and creating integrated crisis response teams. Hans Schmitz shares his personal journey from political science to education, and how his diverse experience helped him architect solutions that bridge technology, policy, and community engagement. The conversation also tackles the importance of transparent communication, community trust, and staff training in de-escalation and restorative practices.

Whether you’re a district leader, educator, or simply passionate about student wellbeing, this episode offers valuable insights and real-world strategies for building resilient, connected school communities.

Key Moments

04:35 Student Crisis Support Processes

08:50 "Aligning Resources Through Framework"

11:26 Coordinated Crisis Support and Training

14:27 De-escalation Training and Support Strategies

17:50 Student Wellness Initiatives Development

21:27 Rapid Crisis Response Coordination

23:38 Collaborative School Communication Strategies

29:51 Strategic Approach to Home Visits

33:06 Community Partnerships for Emergency Preparedness

34:10 Community Transparency Builds Trust

Connect with Hans Schmitz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansjschmitz 

Website: https://www.mantecausd.net/ 

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/ 

In today’s episode, host Todd Schmid sits down with Jessica Swift, Director of Student Services at Morgan Hill Unified School District in California. Jessica shares his inspiring journey from science teacher to district leader, and gives us an inside look at how Morgan Hill is tackling today’s mental health challenges head-on.

We dig deep into the process of building comprehensive wellness centers—spaces designed by students, for students and learn how these centers are reshaping campus culture, reducing stigma, and delivering support exactly when and where kids need it. Jessica also talks about the power of partnerships, measuring impact through real data, and the importance of collective agency in supporting every child, every day.

From supporting students experiencing homelessness with dignity, to creative funding strategies and the evolving role of technology like teletherapy and AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights for educators, leaders, and advocates everywhere. Whether you’re just starting to explore student mental health initiatives or looking to level up your district’s supports, you won’t want to miss Jessica's honest, practical advice and inspiring vision for the future.

Key Moments

06:13 Developing School Wellness Centers

09:30 Redefining School Wellness Spaces

11:45 Home-Based Family Support Transition

14:58 Collaborative Funding Through Partnerships

18:35 Focus on Tier Two Mental Health

21:07 "Supporting Student Mental Health Programs"

24:40 Inclusive Student Wellness Tracking

26:53 "Partnerships in Tiered Support Systems"

30:39 Understanding McKinney-Vento Status

34:25 Empowering Through Self-Sufficiency Skills

39:40 Reviving Student Field Trips

42:41 AI: Love, Concerns, and Isolation

44:19 AI's Impact on Student Isolation

Connect with Jessica Swift

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swift-jessica-901b031a

Website: https://www.mhusd.org/

In today's episode, our host, Ray Bledsoe, sits down with Dr. Katie Ahsell, the Assistant Superintendent of Community Consolidated School District 59 located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Dr. Ahsell brings a wealth of experience in education, particularly in creating and implementing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Together, they dive into the district's successful efforts to cultivate an environment of openness and trust among students, encouraging them to report concerns proactively. Dr. Ahsell reveals how their strategic initiatives have led to real-time interventions, thanks to the alerts generated from monitoring student interactions and communications. You'll learn about the robust, proactive measures in place to identify and support students at risk before situations escalate to crisis levels.

In a time where schools are continuously expanding their scope of responsibilities, Dr. Ahsell discusses funding strategies, such as utilizing grants to pilot initiatives and garnering long-term budgetary support through demonstrated success. Her dedication to both student and staff well-being emphasizes the intertwined nature of educational and mental health support systems.

Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your approach or simply interested in how schools are spearheading these initiatives, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable ideas. Join us in exploring how Community Consolidated School District 59 is shaping the future of student support, making it a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.

Key Moments

03:26 "Student Safety Proactive Intervention"

08:22 Fostering Trust and Communication Culture

10:19 Building a Positive Classroom Environment

14:35 Building Community Agency Connections

17:24 Student Reporting and Safety Systems

27:01 Layered Student Support Strategies

Connect with Dr. Katie Ahsell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-katie-ahsell-a72b32a5/

Website: https://www.ccsd59.org/

Creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for student well-being.

Dr. Lee Vi Moses, Director of Student Services at Belton ISD, will discuss student safety and socio-emotional support. Moses shares how his team provides crucial counseling services for emotional well-being and post-graduation readiness, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion includes proactive digital safety measures, collaborations with local law enforcement, and the challenges of cellphone policies in schools.

Lee Vi Moses also highlighted Belton ISD’s comprehensive approach to monitoring potential threats, addressing mental health needs, and empowering students through safety summits. Dr. Moses emphasizes the balance of academic and socio-emotional learning, showcasing how the district creates a secure environment for all students.

Key Moments

00:00 SROs at all schools

09:49 FAFSA help for former students

15:54 Cell phone bans debate

20:02 Text alert monitoring

27:49 Student safety summit

31:18 Focus on emotional learning

Connect with Dr. Lee Vi Moses

Website: https://www.bisd.net/bisd 

“At Wylie ISD, safety and student well-being are commitments that build trust within our community.”

Scott Winn, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at Wylie ISD in Texas. With over 30 years in education, Scott emphasizes the district's focus on safety and student well-being under David Vinson's leadership.

Scott highlights Wylie ISD’s proactive measures, including the unique 80/20 rule for administrators, shatterproof window film, and strategies to combat fake school threats. He also shares the district’s commitment to mental health through licensed therapists, de-escalation training, and innovative programs like circle time. This episode showcases how these initiatives foster trust and enhance community safety.

Key Moments

00:00 Safety plan with threat assessment

05:00 Close, Click, Check for door security

08:14 Consequences of student threats

15:52 Bullying and threat safety videos

20:00 Surveys enhance student relationships

22:30 Therapists provide essential support

Connect with Scott Winn

Website: https://www.wylieisd.net/ 

“Creating a safe, connected, and supportive environment is foundational to student success”

Today's guest, Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora, the President of TASA, and first female superintendent of Tomball ISD, joins host Ray Bledsoe.

Dr. Zamora shares insights on addressing students' emotional well-being, proactive safety measures, and innovative strategies to combat bullying and enhance digital security. This conversation underscores the importance of creating a secure and supportive environment to foster student success and adapt to evolving technological demands.

Key Moments

00:00 - District growth and jobs
05:24 - Officers enhance safety
11:20 - Challenges in Education
22:01 - Incidents affect learning
25:20 - Self Harm/Suicide, Suicide Prevention Month
30:43 - Signs of suicide
33:10 - Therapy
35:35 - Career education center

Connect with Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-salazar-zamora-ed-d-57535630/ 

Website: https://www.tomballisd.net 

Learn how to identify the students who need your help the most to proactively prevent crises and save student lives.

Welcome to Leaders Saving Lives, the podcast that meets with K-12 district leaders to explore innovative strategies and stories from the field, all committed to the safety and well-being of their students and schools.

Leaders Saving Lives is hosted by Ray Bledsoe of Gaggle. Gaggle is the industry leader in student safety, providing tools and services that help schools identify students most in need of support. By combining advanced machine learning and human expertise, Gaggle ensures the well-being of more than 6 million students across the nation.

About Ray Bledsoe

With years of sales and business development leadership experience in diverse industries, I have developed a strong portfolio of skills and achievements that enable me to deliver exceptional results for my company and my clients.

My core competencies include sales strategy, sales presentations, relationship building, team leadership, pipeline management, and revenue growth. I leverage my MEDDPICC Masterclass certification and my knowledge of the educational market to craft compelling value propositions and solutions that address the needs and goals of educators and administrators. I also value diversity and inclusion, and I served as the Chairman of the Diversity and Inclusion Council at my previous company, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.

Podcast Produced by Old Soul: https://aoldsoul.com/