Superintendent's Message: October 2025: Strategic Resource Alignment Underway
Superintendent's Message: October 2025: Strategic Resource Alignment Underway
Dear RCSD Community,
I want to provide you with an update on the Redwood City School District’s (RCSD) Strategic Resource Alignment process—an initiative designed to ensure that our programs, services, and staffing are aligned with our district priorities and the needs of every student.
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.
The RCSD budget reflects this focus and includes several key commitments:
- Protecting core instructional programs for all students to benefit from high-quality teaching and learning.
- Maintaining investments in support services that address students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Keeping facilities safe, functional, and welcoming for students and staff.
- Offering competitive compensation to retain and attract the excellent educators and staff who power our schools.
Some key steps in this process include:
- Data-driven analysis: Reviewing the budget alongside enrollment trends, class sizes, program participation, and staffing allocations across all schools.
- Strategic planning: Evaluating how to reallocate resources thoughtfully, while maintaining transparency and ensuring decisions reflect input from the community.
- Community engagement: Continuing to consult broadly to understand opportunities and challenges ahead. We encourage you to participate through surveys and an upcoming Board study session in January.
We are committed to keeping our community informed throughout this process and will share additional opportunities for input as decisions take shape. Your voice is essential as we work together to ensure every student in RCSD has the support they need to succeed.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we undertake this important work. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for all learners in our district.
With gratitude and commitment,
John Baker
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.