Superintendent's Update: Back to School 2026-27

Dear RCSD Community,

What an incredible week it has been—and the best part is that our students arrive next week!

There is something magical about the days leading up to a new school year. Our classrooms are coming to life, our campuses are buzzing with excitement, and the anticipation is contagious. A few days ago, I had the privilege of welcoming more than 40 outstanding new teachers to the RCSD family during the RCSD New Teacher Orientation. Their enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to students were inspiring, and I know they will make a tremendous impact in our schools.

Superintendent Dr. Rubalcaba welcomes teachers during the 2026 New Teacher Orientation — **On Monday, August 3, we welcomed more than 40 new teachers to RCSD**

This week, our returning teachers have been hard at work participating in professional learning, collaborating with colleagues, and preparing engaging lessons for the first day of school. It has been wonderful to see educators learning together, sharing ideas, and getting ready to welcome students with open arms.

One of my favorite moments this week was celebrating with all of our teachers during our TeamRCSD Welcome Back Launch. The energy in the room was incredible. Everywhere I looked, I saw dedicated educators who believe deeply in the potential of every child. And we’re not done celebrating yet! Next week, I’ll have the opportunity to welcome our classified support staff—our instructional assistants, bus drivers, office professionals, custodians, child nutrition services team, maintenance crews, technology staff, and so many others whose work keeps our schools running every day. Every role matters. Every person makes a difference. That’s what makes RCSD such a special place.

**Clifford staff during RCSD TeamRCSD Welcome Back**

**Dr. Rubalcaba and teachers from Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School**

Garfield Community School team — **Garfield staff during RCSD TeamRCSD Welcome Back**

That is exactly what I mean when I say, “All In for Kids.”

You’ll probably hear me say those four words often this year because they represent much more than a motto—they’re our shared commitment to all our students. Being All In for Kids means that every decision we make begins with one simple question: “Is this what’s best for students?” It means working together across classrooms, schools, departments, and our community so every child feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, helping a student board a bus, preparing meals, volunteering at school, or encouraging your child at home, you are helping shape a student’s future. We all have an important role to play.

That spirit is one of the many reasons I am so excited to be part of the RCSD family.

Although I officially became your Superintendent on July 1, my introduction to this incredible district actually began in March. Since then, I’ve visited each of our 12 schools, attended community meet-and-greets, and had the opportunity to meet many students, employees, families, and community partners. Every classroom visit, every conversation, and every handshake has deepened my appreciation for this district and the people who make it so extraordinary.

Dr. Rubalcaba shaking hands with students on the Roy Cloud playground — ***Shaking hands on the playground with our most important stakeholders during my visit to Roy Cloud School this spring***

Those experiences have reinforced something I have always believed: the best way to lead is by listening.

That's why my 90-Day Entry Plan begins with listening and learning. Throughout the fall, I’ll continue visiting schools and meeting with students, families, employees, and community partners to better understand each school’s unique strengths, opportunities, and aspirations. In the coming weeks, we’ll begin sharing invitations to school visits and listening sessions, and I hope many of you will join me. I look forward to hearing your stories, learning from your experiences, and working together to shape the future of RCSD.

Dr. Rubalcaba's 90-Day Entry Plan

As I continue learning about where we’re headed, I’ve also enjoyed reflecting on everything our community accomplished together last year.

I’m excited to share RCSD’s 2025–26 Our Year Together Community Report, which celebrates the many successes made possible by our students, employees, families, Board of Trustees, and community partners. Together, you strengthened academic achievement, expanded supports for students, modernized our schools, celebrated remarkable accomplishments, and created new opportunities for children to thrive. It’s a wonderful reminder of what can happen when an entire community comes together with a shared purpose.

Our Year Together: 2025-26 Community Report

Nuestro Año Juntos: Reporte a la Comunidad RCSD 2025-26

Explore Our Progress

Explore Nuestro Progreso

Those conversations and those accomplishments are already helping shape the priorities that will guide our work this year. Together, we will continue to focus on:

Building on our academic momentum so every student continues to learn, grow, and achieve at high levels.
Supporting principals as instructional leaders who empower teachers and foster outstanding learning in every classroom.
Advancing equity by ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed because every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Maintaining the district’s long-term fiscal health so we can responsibly invest in today’s students while protecting opportunities for future generations.

These priorities are deeply connected. Strong finances allow us to invest in excellent teaching and meaningful student supports. Strong instructional leadership helps teachers do their very best work. Great teaching leads to stronger student outcomes. And when we intentionally meet the needs of every learner, every child has the opportunity to succeed. Together, that’s how we build a stronger future for RCSD.

As I begin my first school year as your Superintendent, I also want to express my sincere appreciation to our Board of Trustees for the confidence and trust they have placed in me. It is an honor to serve alongside them, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated educators, families, and community partners.

In just a few days, our campuses will once again be filled with the sounds that make schools such joyful places—students greeting old friends, teachers welcoming new faces, laughter echoing across playgrounds, music filling classrooms, and the excitement that comes with new beginnings.

I can’t wait to experience those moments with all of you.

Thank you for the warm welcome you have extended me. I look forward to seeing you in our schools, at community events, and throughout the district as we begin what I know will be an amazing year together.

Here’s to a joyful year of learning, growing, and celebrating every success along the way.

Together, we’re All In for Kids.

With gratitude,

Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba
Superintendent

In This Section

Superintendent's Update: Back to School 2026-27

More of Our Stories