Office of the Superintendent
As the chief administrator for Redwood City School District (RCSD), the Superintendent of Schools works closely with the elected Board of Trustees. Together with his Cabinet, the Superintendent oversees RCSD services, implementing the Board of Trustees' Goals.
Dr. John Baker, Ed.D.
In April 2015, Dr. John Baker, a former teacher and school principal, was named as the superintendent of the Redwood City School District (RCSD) and began leading the district on July 1, 2015. Dr. Baker has worked for the district for more than 30 years.
Superintendent's Cabinet
The Superintendent’s Cabinet is accountable for assisting the Superintendent in addressing the Board of Trustees’ school district goals and priorities. Keeping the District's mission as its focus, the Cabinet provides input to the Superintendent on major operational, programmatic, and fiscal matters to help the district meet the Board Goals.
Messages from the Superintendent
In RCSD, one of our core values is to honor and uplift student voice. We firmly believe that every student has a unique perspective and valuable insights that can greatly inform our decision-making processes. As such, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for students to share their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations regarding their educational experiences.
As we reflect on the accomplishments and growth achieved during the first half of the school year, I am pleased to reaffirm our shared commitment to the key initiatives that define this academic year.
The Illustrative Math (IM) curriculum stands out for its rigorous, hands-on activities and a digital component that enhances the learning experience. The curriculum encourages students to explain their thinking, building foundational skills and fostering a deep understanding of the “what” and “why” behind mathematical problem-solving. Nine teachers piloted a unit from each of the three curriculums, engaging in frequent discussions to assess their experiences and student outcomes. The School Board and I are very appreciative of the commitment of our teachers who participated in this process, ensuring representation from each grade level.
I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your active involvement and support of the Student Goal-Setting Conferences. This year marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time we introduced this researched-based practice, and I am pleased to report that the conferences have been a resounding success. Your commitment to our students’ success has been truly inspiring.
In 2023-24, we continue our critical work of addressing the challenges brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our district embarked on a journey of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) professional development sessions last year, aiming to equip all of us with the tools and strategies necessary to support our students. We recognize that the effects of the pandemic have had a significant impact on our students' academic progress and well-being, and this series of professional development sessions help ensure that we are better equipped to address these challenges.
On Thursday, September 7, we had a scheduled early dismissal known as a "super minimum day" in RCSD. On this day, all RCSD students left school early as planned, while teachers remained on campus to engage in professional development activities.
This school year, we welcome 1,280 new students to RCSD, many of whom are Kindergartners (661) and Transitional Kindergartners (209). We also welcome our 144 new certificated employees (teachers who teach in the classroom as well as educators who support them), 47 classified staff (support staff who work behind the scenes making sure the district is running smoothly), 10 assistant principals, and five principals.
Our 8th grade graduates are a strong group of students who reinvented the school experience by starting their middle school years in a virtual format. It was exactly three years ago, in 2020-21, that they started 6th grade in an online classroom with their classmates and teachers. As difficult as that year was for them, they kept going and worked hard to get through those challenging times.