March 2, 2026

The Redwood City School District Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba as RCSD’s next superintendent. Rubalcaba, a veteran educational leader, is scheduled to assume the role in July, following the retirement of longtime Superintendent Dr. John Baker, who will continue to lead RCSD through the end of the school year.

Rubalcaba is a lifelong educator who has spent his career working in public schools across the Bay Area. He began as a bilingual classroom teacher, supporting students and families who speak multiple languages. From there, he became an instructional coach, helping teachers strengthen their practice, and later served as a school principal at both the elementary and middle school levels. Rubalcaba has also held senior district leadership roles, where he helped improve student services, expand community schools, strengthen mental health supports, and build stronger partnerships with families.

Rubalcaba’s distinguished record of service and leadership included serving as president of ACSA Region 5, participation in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program in Singapore, and selection as a Pahara Institute Fellow. Rubalcaba’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with honors such as ACSA Region 8 School Administrator of the Year, CALSA District Administrator of the Year, and ACSA Region 5 Central Office Administrator of the Year.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature & Psychology from Purdue University; a Master of Liberal Arts in History from Harvard University; and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University.

Baker was named superintendent in 2015 and has served in that role for 10 school years, bringing stability and steady guidance through periods of growth, change, and unprecedented challenge.

Baker’s journey in RCSD began as a bilingual kindergarten classroom teacher at Garfield School. He later taught additional grade levels throughout the district before moving into school leadership as an assistant principal. He went on to serve as principal of Hoover Community School, a 900-student campus, before advancing into district leadership as a director, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent.

During his superintendency, the district experienced both significant accomplishments and complex challenges. In 2018, as enrollment declined due to charter schools opening in the area, Baker led a thoughtful community process to consolidate, relocate, and merge programs, resulting in the closure of four facilities while preserving student services. He guided the district through the successful passage of Measure T and Measure S, securing vital funding for school modernization and construction. He also led RCSD through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing school closures, distance learning, and the safe reopening of campuses.

His leadership helped RCSD earn multiple Golden Bell, Excellence in Education, and Kent awards recognizing outstanding district programs and student supports.

In a message to the school community on the district’s website, Baker thanked them for focusing on what is best for students: “I am profoundly grateful for the way staff and families have stood shoulder to shoulder with me, pushing through obstacles and celebrating progress in service of our students’ success and wellbeing.”