Taft Dolphin Newsletter

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.

The RCSD Board of Trustees voted to place a parcel tax measure on the June 2, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would generate an estimated $12.2 million annually through a tax based on building square footage, with exemptions for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities. Voters within the district will decide the outcome in June.

Maizha Mendoza received the Elementary Education Specialist Award from San Mateo County SELPA, which supports improved outcomes for students and the effective delivery of special education services across San Mateo County public schools. 

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.

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.

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.