Governance in Action
Redwood City School District Board of Trustees Appoints Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba as Next Superintendent of Schools
Veteran Bay Area educator selected following an inclusive, community-informed national search
The Board of Trustees of the Redwood City School District (RCSD) has approved the appointment of Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba as RCSD’s next Superintendent. The unanimous vote took place during the Board’s January 21, 2026 public meeting. Dr. Rubalcaba is scheduled to assume the role on July 1, following the retirement of longtime Superintendent Dr. John Baker, who will continue to lead RCSD through the end of the school year.
Dr. Rubalcaba was selected following a carefully planned, transparent, and community-informed national search led by the Board of Trustees in partnership with Leadership Associates, a nationally recognized executive search firm. The process included engagement with district staff and community groups, as well as feedback gathered through a community survey to understand the leadership qualities most important to the Redwood City community.
The search attracted a strong pool of candidates from within California and across the country. After a comprehensive screening process, the Board interviewed four finalists and used a structured evaluation rubric to ensure a consistent, criteria-based assessment focused on leadership experience, integrity, demonstrated impact, and alignment with RCSD’s values and needs.
“Listening to our community and honoring that input was central to this process,” said Board President David Weekly. “We used a rigorous rubric and consistent evaluation to identify a leader who can build on Redwood City’s strengths and continue improving outcomes for all students. Dr. Rubalcaba’s impeccable qualifications, familiarity with our diverse community, irrepressible enthusiasm for education and our kids, and commitment to academic excellence for all our students make him the right fit for our district.”
The RCSD Board of Trustees join newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Christian Rubalcaba who officially joins RCSD July 1
Dr. Rubalcaba brings deep Bay Area experience, having served San José Unified School District, Franklin-McKinley School District, and San Mateo-Foster City School District. His career spans classroom teaching through senior district administration, including service as a bilingual teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, elementary and middle school principal, director, and assistant superintendent.
Currently serving as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in San Mateo-Foster City, Dr. Rubalcaba oversees districtwide systems including academic and student supports, special education, restorative justice, preschool programming, enrollment, student wellness and mental health services, equity initiatives, community schools, after-school programming, strategic planning, and school leadership development.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to the Board of Trustees for the trust they have placed in me, and I am excited to serve the Redwood City School District community,” said Dr. Rubalcaba. “I believe public education is at its best when we lead with purpose, listen with humility, and work in true partnership with families, staff, and students. Redwood City is a community rich in diversity, history, and promise, and I am committed to ensuring every student is known, supported, and challenged to thrive. I look forward to listening, learning, and building alongside this community as we shape the future together.”
Added Dr. Rubalcaba: “Redwood City School District represents everything I believe in public education: a strong commitment to equity, high expectations for all, and a deep care for each and every student. I am honored to join this community and grateful for the thoughtful and thorough process that led to this appointment. My education philosophy is grounded in the belief that when we invest in our staff, build strong systems, and center students in every decision, amazing things happen. I look forward to working alongside our educators, families, staff, and partners to continue to strengthen all RCSD schools.”
The Board also expressed its deep appreciation for Dr. John Baker’s more than four decades of service and leadership.
Governance in Action is part of the RCSD Update Series and is produced by the Department of Communications and Community Engagement. This update shares clear and timely information about key decisions and discussions of the Board of Trustees, helping families understand how these actions support students, staff, and schools across the district.