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.

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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 athttps://valleystreamschooldistrict24.organd 'like' our Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/VS24SchoolDistrict#MakeTheConnection #VS24#InnovatingOurFuture