Beyond School Rankings: A More Holistic Approach to School Ratings

Cristina Ryffel, school librarian at Orion Alternative, was named the recipient of the California School Library Association’s “I Love My Classified Library Staff Award.” The award honors classified library staff whose work strengthens school communities and supports student learning.

The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba as the District’s next Superintendent following a comprehensive, community-informed search process. Dr. Rubalcaba will begin his role on July 1, succeeding retiring Superintendent Dr. John Baker. Selected from a strong pool of candidates through a rigorous evaluation process that included community input and structured interviews, Dr. Rubalcaba brings extensive experience as a classroom teacher, school principal, and district leader across multiple Bay Area school districts. He is committed to listening, building strong relationships, and continuing RCSD’s work to support all students and families.

RCSD was ranked #22 statewide among California’s top 30 school districts by MoneyInc. One of only two districts in San Mateo County recognized, this honor reflects RCSD’s daily commitment to strong instruction, student support, and equitable outcomes.

Gilberto Guzmán, a longtime RCSD educator, has been honored with the SF-CESS Ally Award for his leadership and commitment to equity and student success. This recognition highlights his decades of advocacy for students and families and reflects the powerful impact of RCSD staff who lead with purpose and care.

The Board approved the 2026–27 instructional calendar at its January 14 meeting, setting key dates to help families plan ahead for the school year. The calendar includes the first and last days of school, holidays, conference weeks, and scheduled breaks that align with the Sequoia Union High School District. Families are encouraged to plan vacations and appointments during school breaks to support strong attendance and student success.

Redwood City School District is moving into the next phase of its districtwide solar energy expansion, with construction beginning this winter at Henry Ford and Taft schools and additional campuses starting this spring. The projects will bring clean, renewable energy to school sites while reducing long-term electricity costs and easing pressure on the district budget and local taxpayers. Construction schedules will roll out between January and July, with timelines coordinated to minimize disruption to school operations.

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.

At its December 17, 2025 meeting, the RCSD Board of Trustees approved the District’s $160.1 million 2025–26 First Interim Budget Report with a Positive Certification, confirming that the District is projected to meet its financial obligations this year and over the next two fiscal years. The report provides a snapshot of RCSD’s financial health based on actual activity through October 31 and updated multi-year projections. Trustees also discussed reserves, long-term stability, and the District’s Strategic Resource Alignment work, which focuses on responsibly adjusting programs and services to reflect a smaller district while continuing to serve students and families effectively.

This leadership transition took place in accordance with Board Bylaw 9100, which requires the Board to hold an annual organizational meeting and rotate officer roles each December. The process ensures orderly transitions and shared leadership over time.

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.

Across the solar projects, RCSD expects to save $21.1 million in energy costs over 25 years, including about $762,000 in the first year alone once all systems are online.

This year, RCSD saw gains in several areas that reflect the district’s commitment to strong instruction, equitable supports, and a welcoming school environment.

Redwood City School District (RCSD) students are showing seady improvement in reading and mathematics, according to new results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).

During the October 16 Board Study Session, the Board of Trustees presented three conceptual scenarios outlining possible approaches for implementing Measure S projects identified in the Facilities Master Plan (FMP). 

The presentation highlighted the deep partnership among RCSD, Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education’s John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, and Stanford Psychiatry’s Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Together, these partners have developed a model that strengthens school-based mental health systems, improves coordination of care, and ensures that students and families have equitable access to the support they need.

The 2025 ceremony highlighted the district’s commitment to fostering multilingual excellence and empowering students to reach their full potential.

Regular attendance sets students up for success, ensuring students stay on track in their courses and build the habits necessary for the rigor of high school and beyond. Even a few missed days can disrupt learning and make it harder for students to feel caught up and confident in class

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.

This award recognizes RCSD’s trauma-informed, student-centered approach that helps students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Counseling Services play an important role in meeting RCSD’s LCAP Goal One to Strengthen Social Emotional Support and School Climate by working to ensure that every student feels supported, safe, and connected at school.

Social Emotional Learning, known as S-E-L, teaches students strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and strengthen relationships. This year, five more schools launched Wayfinder, a Stanford-developed program that helps children build purpose, adaptability, and confidence.