Honoring Superintendent Baker

A Rare and Remarkable Tenure

Dr. Baker was named Superintendent in 2015 and has served in that role for ten school years--a rare milestone in public education. Nationally, the average superintendent tenure is just three years, making Dr. Baker’s decade of leadership especially meaningful for RCSD. His long service brought stability and steady guidance through periods of growth, change, and unprecedented challenge.

Dr. Baker’s journey in RCSD began as a bilingual kindergarten classroom teacher at Garfield School. He later taught additional grade levels throughout the district before moving into school leadership as an assistant principal. He went on to serve as principal of Hoover Community School, a 900-student campus, before advancing into district leadership as a director, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent. In 2015, he was appointed Superintendent, a role he has held with distinction ever since.

Leading Through Challenge, Change, and Celebration

During his superintendency, the district experienced both significant accomplishments and complex challenges. In 2018, as enrollment declined due to charter schools opening in the area, Dr. Baker led a thoughtful community process to consolidate, relocate, and merge programs, resulting in the closure of four facilities while preserving student services. He guided the district through the successful passage of Measure T and Measure S, securing vital funding for school modernization and construction. He also led RCSD through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing school closures, distance learning, and the safe reopening of campuses.

Under his leadership, RCSD expanded community schools, expanded learning opportunities, and student support programs. Dr. Baker also led the launch of the district’s mental health program, strengthening counseling and wellness services to better support students’ social-emotional needs. His leadership helped RCSD earn multiple Golden Bell, Excellence in Education, and Kent awards recognizing outstanding district programs and student supports.

Dr. Baker also cultivated strong relationships with philanthropic individuals and organizations, resulting in significant donations that helped support a fiscally challenged school district. These partnerships expanded resources for students and schools, demonstrating his ability to build trust and rally community investment around public education.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Baker remained focused on transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. His leadership strengthened academic programs, expanded supports for multilingual learners and students with special needs, and deepened family and community engagement across the district.

Passing the Torch

As he prepares to pass the leadership torch to Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba, Dr. Baker is working closely with him to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. This period of collaboration reflects Dr. Baker’s commitment to continuity and to setting the district up for long-term success under new leadership.

“It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve the Redwood City community. I am deeply grateful to our students, families, staff, and partners who make this district so special. Everything we have accomplished has been the result of working together with trust, care, and a shared commitment to our students.”

In the months ahead, the district will share opportunities to honor Dr. Baker in person and celebrate his remarkable legacy with the community.