Meet the Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba serves as Superintendent of Redwood City School District (RCSD), bringing two decades of experience serving students, families, and educators throughout Bay Area public schools. Guided by his personal motto, “All In for Kids,” he believes every student deserves to be seen, challenged through rigorous learning, supported as a whole child, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.The proud son of Mexican immigrants, Dr. Rubalcaba was born and raised in Chicago, where his father worked as a custodian. His father worked the third shift as a janitor, sacrificing long nights to provide opportunities for his family. Through his example, Dr. Rubalcaba learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and selflessness, along with the belief that education is the greatest vehicle for changing lives. Those lessons continue to shape his leadership, his commitment to public education, and his belief that every child has unique strengths, individual needs, and limitless potential when surrounded by caring adults who believe in them.

After beginning his career as a 5th grade bilingual classroom teacher, Dr. Rubalcaba dedicated his professional life to Bay Area public schools, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, and assistant superintendent. Throughout his career, he has championed rigorous teaching and learning while building systems that support the whole child and create opportunities for every student to succeed.

Dr. Rubalcaba believes that academic excellence and student well-being go hand in hand. He is a strong advocate for high-quality, engaging instruction that challenges every learner while ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. He has dedicated his career to removing barriers to learning through comprehensive student and family supports, including mental health services, wellness resources, family engagement, restorative practices, expanded learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships. He believes schools are most successful when they educate the whole child and families, educators, and community partners work together to support every student.

Before joining Redwood City School District, Dr. Rubalcaba served as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for the San Mateo-Foster City School District, where he led districtwide efforts supporting student wellness, equity, enrollment, special education, community schools, preschool, and comprehensive student support services.

Dr. Rubalcaba describes joining Redwood City School District as a dream opportunity because of the district’s longstanding commitment to educating the whole child through strong instructional systems, comprehensive student supports, and meaningful partnerships with families and the community. He believes RCSD’s collaborative culture, innovative spirit, and focus on students provide an exceptional foundation for helping every child thrive.

A National Board Certified Teacher, Dr. Rubalcaba earned degrees from Purdue University, Harvard University, and San Francisco State University, where he completed his doctorate in Educational Leadership. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to educational leadership, instructional excellence, and equitable outcomes for all students.

As Superintendent, Dr. Rubalcaba is committed to building on Redwood City School District’s tradition of excellence by strengthening rigorous teaching and learning, expanding opportunities for every student, supporting outstanding educators, and deepening partnerships with families and the community. He believes that when educators, families, and community partners work together with a shared commitment to students, schools become places where every child is known, every child’s individual needs matter, and every learner is empowered to succeed.

Dr. Rubalcaba is honored to serve the RCSD community and looks forward to working alongside students, families, staff, and community partners to build on the district’s  strong foundation and shape an even brighter future—one where every decision is made All In for Kids.