Valley Stream 24 Board of Education Approves Five-Year Contract for Superintendent Dr. Unal Karakas

At its August 19, 2026 meeting, the Valley Stream Union Free School District 24 Board of Education approved a new five-year contract for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas, providing continued leadership as the district builds on its progress and advances the next phase of its Vision 2030 initiative.

Dr. Karakas began his tenure as superintendent in 2023 and has since led a districtwide focus on student achievement, innovation, school culture, and the modernization of learning environments. Under his leadership, Valley Stream 24 has expanded innovative instructional opportunities for students, strengthened academic support systems, and invested significantly in the environments where students learn. The district also made significant progress in its Vision 2030 initiative, which focuses on integrating 21st-century learning and technology into teaching and learning to enhance authentic student engagement and agency.

Among the district’s major accomplishments has been the completion of air conditioning installations across all three elementary schools, ensuring that every classroom is air conditioned for the 2026-27 school year. The district has also continued to modernize classrooms through Vision 2030, expand enrichment and world language opportunities, introduce new instructional models, and strengthen its use of data and differentiated support to meet the needs of every learner.

Valley Stream 24 has also received recognition beyond the district for its innovative work, including its participation in the League of Innovative Schools. The district is one of only 175 districts nationally to be a part of this prestigious league since 2024.

“I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the energy, commitment, and heart that Dr. Karakas brings to Valley Stream 24,” said Board of Education President Annette Matthew as she expressed her confidence in Dr. Karakas and the direction of the district.

“He sets ambitious goals for our district and has consistently worked to meet and exceed them while always keeping our children, staff, and families at the center of the work,” she continued. “I am grateful for his leadership and proud of the progress we have made. Dr. Karakas is an asset to our school district and our community, and I look forward to what we will continue to accomplish together.”

Dr. Karakas said the five-year agreement provides an opportunity to build upon the district’s momentum while continuing to invest in its students, educators, staff, and community.

“It is an incredible privilege to serve as Superintendent of Valley Stream 24, and I am excited about what the next five years hold for our district,” he said. “I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together, but I believe our best work is still ahead of us. Vision 2030 is ultimately about creating schools where children are excited to learn, educators are empowered to innovate, and every student has access to the opportunities and support needed to thrive. I look forward to continuing this work alongside the Board of Education, our outstanding educators and staff, our families, and the entire Valley Stream 24 community.”

With continued investments in innovative teaching and learning, modern learning environments, student achievement, and a strong district culture, Valley Stream 24 remains committed to innovation, excellence, and “Making the Connection: Innovating Our Future.”

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldistrict24.org and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24SchoolDistrict #MakeTheConnection #VS24 #InnovatingOurFuture

Valley Stream 24 School District’s Newest Board of Education Members are Honored at SCOPE Dinner

The newest members of the Valley Stream 24 School District Board of Education were honored at SCOPE’s 41st Annual Dinner Meeting for Superintendents and School Board Members, held August 11 at Bourne Mansion.

The annual event brought together superintendents, school board members and educational leaders from across Long Island to celebrate the dedication and leadership of newly elected and appointed school district officials.

Representing Valley Stream 24, Board Vice President Aisha Darby, Trustee Thomas Dowling and Trustee Salman Quader were formally recognized alongside fellow new trustees from school districts throughout the region.

The evening also featured the participation of distinguished educational leaders, including New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa and Long Island Board of Regents Representative Felicia Thomas-Williams.

“We were so pleased to celebrate this special recognition together!” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “Congratulations again to our newest trustees, and thank you to SCOPE for a wonderful evening celebrating educational leadership across Long Island!”

The district congratulates Vice President Darby, Trustee Dowling and Trustee Quader on this well-deserved recognition and thanks SCOPE for bringing together educational leaders from across Long Island to honor their service and commitment to students and school communities.

Brooklyn Avenue School Families Enjoy Third Annual PTA Family Fun Day at Citi Field

Students at Brooklyn Avenue School in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently enjoyed the third annual Family Fun Day at Citi Field, hosted by the Brooklyn Avenue School Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The event brought together about 150 students and their families for an afternoon of baseball, community, and family fun as the New York Mets took on the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Valley Stream 24 School District extends its sincere appreciation to the New York Mets for their generous donation, which made the event possible for the third consecutive year. The district is grateful for the organization's continued support in providing meaningful experiences for students and their families.

Although the Mets came up short on the scoreboard, the day was a winning experience for Brooklyn Avenue School families who had the opportunity to create lasting memories together while cheering on their hometown team.

"We are incredibly thankful to the Brooklyn Avenue School PTA for organizing this wonderful tradition and to the New York Mets for their generosity and continued partnership,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. "Opportunities like Family Fun Day help strengthen the connections between our schools, our families, and our community.”

The annual Family Fun Day has become a beloved tradition at Brooklyn Avenue School, bringing families together outside the classroom and celebrating the strong sense of community that defines the Valley Stream 24 School District.

Valley Stream 24 Celebrates its 2026 Graduating Class

Valley Stream Union Free School District 24 proudly celebrated the achievements of its 2026 graduating classes during commencement ceremonies for students from William L. Buck School, Brooklyn Avenue School and Robert W. Carbonaro School.

Hosted in the William L. Buck School auditorium, each ceremony marked an important milestone as students concluded their elementary school experience and prepared to begin the next chapter of their educational journey. Graduates were recognized for their hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout their years in the district as they proudly crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.

Surrounded by proud families, friends and educators, students were celebrated for their academic accomplishments, character and the many contributions they made to their school communities. The ceremonies were filled with smiles, applause and memorable moments as loved ones gathered to commemorate this special occasion.

"Our graduates have grown into confident, compassionate and capable leaders who are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. "We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished during their time in Valley Stream 24, and we thank our dedicated teachers, staff and families for the unwavering support that helped make this milestone possible. We wish our students continued success as they begin this exciting new chapter."

Members of the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, building principals, district administrators, teachers, staff and families joined together to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments and offer their encouragement as the Class of 2026 looks ahead to middle school and beyond.