Superintendent's Message: April 2026: My Last RCSD Graduating Class
Superintendent's Message: April 2026: My Last RCSD Graduating Class
Dear RCSD Community,
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, our schools are preparing for one of the most meaningful milestones we celebrate each year—graduation season. Classrooms are wrapping up projects, families are making plans, and staff are working with care to ensure each student is recognized for their accomplishments.
For me, this season carries special meaning. I am preparing to help turn the tassels for my final class of RCSD graduates. This year, 691 students will walk across the stage and receive their diplomas, marking the end of their elementary and middle school journeys and the beginning of what comes next.
It is truly bittersweet. We are proud to see our students ready for high school, and at the same time, it is not easy to say goodbye to a group we have watched grow over the years. Each student carries with them the lessons, relationships, and experiences that have shaped who they are becoming.
I want to thank the many people who made this moment possible, our teachers, classified staff, administrators, families, and community partners. It takes all of us working together to support students academically, socially, and emotionally so they can leave us prepared for what lies ahead. Because of this shared effort, our students are stepping into high school ready to continue learning, growing, and taking on new challenges.
As they move forward, we hope our students carry with them the values and skills they have built here in RCSD, whether they continue their education or choose a different path, including the skilled trades. Each path is important, and each student’s future holds promise.
While I am not able to attend every graduation ceremony due to overlapping schedules, I will have the honor of personally congratulating many of our students. I look forward to shaking the hands of the Huskies at Hoover and the Cougars at Kennedy, celebrating this important milestone alongside their families and school communities.
To our graduates: we are proud of you. To our families and staff: thank you for your partnership, your care, and your commitment. This is a moment to celebrate all that has been accomplished and all that is still ahead.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
With gratitude,
John Baker
Superintendent
Other Recent Superintendent Messages:
![Graduation Cap]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714426660/rcsdk8net/zsafmzu9pjkdrk8rxzxa/SuperintendentDrJohnBaker.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714426660/rcsdk8net/zsafmzu9pjkdrk8rxzxa/SuperintendentDrJohnBaker.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1714426660/rcsdk8net/zsafmzu9pjkdrk8rxzxa/SuperintendentDrJohnBaker.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1714426660/rcsdk8net/zsafmzu9pjkdrk8rxzxa/SuperintendentDrJohnBaker.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714426660/rcsdk8net/zsafmzu9pjkdrk8rxzxa/SuperintendentDrJohnBaker.png","width":1500}])
For me, this season carries special meaning. I am preparing to help turn the tassels for my final class of RCSD graduates.
![Superintendent Dr. John Baker]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732304050/rcsdk8net/dmvd2hpql6novcafrsob/SuperintendentsMessage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732304050/rcsdk8net/dmvd2hpql6novcafrsob/SuperintendentsMessage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732304050/rcsdk8net/dmvd2hpql6novcafrsob/SuperintendentsMessage.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732304050/rcsdk8net/dmvd2hpql6novcafrsob/SuperintendentsMessage.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732304050/rcsdk8net/dmvd2hpql6novcafrsob/SuperintendentsMessage.png","width":1500}])
Redwood City School District is beginning the next phase of its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) work by reviewing and refining goals for the 2026–27 school year. Building on recent progress—including improved attendance, reduced suspensions, strong academic growth, and gains for English Learners—the district is now engaging families, staff, and students to help guide future priorities. Community input gathered through surveys and meetings will play a key role in shaping the next LCAP cycle and ensuring continued focus on equity and student success.
Redwood City School District’s February 2026 mid-year LCAP update highlights encouraging progress toward its 2027 goals, including improved attendance, reduced suspensions, strong student growth in reading and mathematics on local assessments, and continued gains for English Learners. The update also identifies areas for focused acceleration as the district continues strengthening supports and instructional practices to close equity gaps.
![A picture of Dr. Baker and Dr. Rubalcaba]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772255975/rcsdk8net/uts7a9rlyqauvpvvc3kh/2026SuperintendentTransition.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772255975/rcsdk8net/uts7a9rlyqauvpvvc3kh/2026SuperintendentTransition.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772255975/rcsdk8net/uts7a9rlyqauvpvvc3kh/2026SuperintendentTransition.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1772255975/rcsdk8net/uts7a9rlyqauvpvvc3kh/2026SuperintendentTransition.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772255975/rcsdk8net/uts7a9rlyqauvpvvc3kh/2026SuperintendentTransition.png","width":1500}])
Superintendent Dr. John Baker and Incoming Superintendent Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba express gratitude for families’ continued trust and partnership while outlining a thoughtful leadership transition ahead of July 1. They emphasize continuity for students and staff, highlight Dr. Rubalcaba’s relationship-centered leadership style and experience in inclusive and community-based education, and invite families to participate in upcoming opportunities to connect, listen, and help shape the district’s future together.
Thank you to the many families who thoughtfully plan vacations during scheduled school breaks, including winter break. Doing so helps ensure students are able to be present for learning when school is in session. When students miss school for vacations outside of these breaks, those absences are considered unexcused, and after three unexcused absences, a student is legally considered truant under state law.
In recent years, rising costs and unpredictable funding have made it harder for schools across California to sustain essential programs and services. Despite budgeting and earlier reductions, RCSD has had to scale back student supports such as counseling and academic intervention. Without a stable local funding source, RCSD risks losing additional hands-on programs in science, mathematics, reading, and writing—programs that spark discovery and confidence in our students.
This fall, we have been working with a district committee made up of parents, teachers, administrators, and union representatives to provide feedback and perspective on this important work. This process is about ensuring that, even as we make necessary budget reductions, our priorities remain centered on what matters most—supporting every student’s success.
Chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more of school days, and it adds up quickly—even when the absences are excused. Doctor’s appointments, family celebrations, and vacations all matter, but if they happen during the school day, they still count toward a student being chronically absent and thus lost instructional time.