Leading MTSS and Community Partnerships for Student Wellbeing at Manteca Unified

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 Moments04:35 Student Crisis Support Processes08:50 "Aligning Resources Through Framework"11:26 Coordinated Crisis Support and Training14:27 De-escalation Training and Support Strategies17:50 Student Wellness Initiatives Development21:27 Rapid Crisis Response Coordination23:38 Collaborative School Communication Strategies29:51 Strategic Approach to Home Visits33:06 Community Partnerships for Emergency Preparedness34:10 Community Transparency Builds TrustConnect with Hans SchmitzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansjschmitz Website: https://www.mantecausd.net/