Valley Stream 24 Heads to Washington, D.C. for NSBA Institute

Valley Stream 24 School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas recently joined Board Trustees Alisa Clark and Cynthia Nuñez, William L. Buck Principal Michael Deblasio, and Director of Pupil Services Juanita Walters at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Institute in Washington, D.C. The Valley Stream 24 team participated in breakout sessions and attended speeches dedicated to advocating for government policies that support student success and inclusive learning environments in public schools.

“Attending the National School Boards Association’s institute was an enlightening experience that provided us with keen insight we bring back to Valley Stream 24,” said Superintendent Dr. Karakas. “The conference included sessions on the growing role of artificial intelligence and advanced technology in education, which perfectly aligns with our Vision 2030 initiative and the work we are doing at Valley Stream 24 to prepare all of our students for the future.”

The Institute focused on the latest developments in education policy and legislation, equipping school board members and educational leaders with the tools, understanding, and strategies necessary to foster a supportive and successful learning environment for all students.

Dr. Karakas and his team attended speeches by keynote speakers Brandon Farbstein, a global empowerment speaker and bullying prevention advocate; Robert Kelty, the head of outreach, government relations, and development for the International Baccalaureate (IB) North America; and Holly Robinson Peete, an actress, author, activist, and philanthropist advocating for both the Parkinson’s and autism communities.

The conference included discussions on artificial intelligence and modern technological advancements in education. These insights provided ongoing insight to Valley Stream 24 educators and board members as the district advances its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to cultivate a forward-thinking, 21st-century learning environment that prepares students with essential skills for the 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