Superintendent's Message: January 2026: Joint Message from Dr. Baker and Dr. Rubalcaba
Superintendent's Message: January 2026: Joint Message from Dr. Baker and Dr. Rubalcaba
Dear RCSD Community,
At the heart of our schools are the relationships we build with families, and we want to begin by thanking you for the trust you place in RCSD every day. It has truly been an honor to partner with you in supporting your children’s learning, growth, and well-being. Your involvement, advocacy, and care make a difference in our schools, and we are deeply grateful for the strong community you help create.
As we look ahead to the coming months, we want to share a bit about our leadership transition. Dr. Rubalcaba will step into the role of Superintendent on July 1, following Dr. Baker’s retirement at the end of this school year. Between now and then, we will be in touch to ensure this transition feels steady, thoughtful, and centered on what matters most--our students, families, and staff. Our shared goal is continuity, in order for the learning and relationships your children experience every day remain strong and supported.
One of the qualities we most appreciate about Dr. Rubalcaba is the way he shows up for people. He is a thoughtful listener who makes time to hear families’ stories, understand their experiences, and learn what matters most to them. For him, leadership begins with presence--being visible, approachable, and open to conversation. He believes that strong schools are built when families are engaged, feel heard and valued.
In addition to teacher and principal experience, Dr. Rubalcaba also brings deep experience working in immersion programs and community schools, where strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations are essential to student success. He has seen firsthand how these models can strengthen academic learning while also supporting students socially and emotionally. In his current role, he oversees special education, which has deepened his commitment to inclusive practices and to ensuring that students with diverse learning needs receive the individualized support they deserve.
We share a strong belief that schools are at their best when families are true partners in the work. Your voice and perspective guide the decisions we make and help shape the future of our district. As Dr. Rubalcaba prepares to join RCSD, he is genuinely excited to listen, learn, and build relationships with families across our community.
In the months ahead, there will be opportunities for families to connect with him through school visits, community gatherings, and listening sessions. We look forward to sharing more details soon and creating spaces where you can meet him, ask questions, and share what you value for your children and your schools.
Thank you again for your partnership and trust. We are grateful to walk this journey with you and look forward to continuing our work together in support of every student.
Together during this transition for your children,
Dr. John Baker, Superintendent
Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba, Incoming 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.