Valley Stream 24 Welcomes New WLB School Principal Michael DeBlasio

On a bright August afternoon, the William L. Buck School community joyfully welcomed their new principal, Michael DeBlasio. Throughout the day, Principal DeBlasio greeted students with popsicles, taking time to meet them and their families personally.

“It is an honor to welcome Principal DeBlasio to the William L. Buck School and the Valley Stream 24 community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “We are confident his vast experience and passion for education will be a great asset. Our students, families, and staff have already embraced him warmly, and we look forward to the strong connections he will build throughout the year.”

Mr. DeBlasio is a respected administrator who previously served as principal at Park Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District. This new role marks a return to the Valley Stream community, where he was formerly the assistant principal at Forest Road School in the Valley Stream 30 School District.

“I couldn’t be happier returning to Valley Stream and joining Valley Stream District 24,” Mr. DeBlasio shared. “The strong sense of community and collaborative problem-solving make Valley Stream 24 a welcoming and supportive environment. Everyone here is committed to working together and lifting each other up to achieve shared goals. I am thrilled to be part of this incredible community and excited to serve with pride.”

Mr. DeBlasio began his career as a special education teacher in Queens Community School District 26, where he taught for ten years before transitioning into administration. He holds both a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Molloy College and earned his school building and district leadership certifications from the College of St. Rose. His passion for special education was ignited during his time at Molloy University, where he also worked in an after-school program at the Roslyn JCC. This experience confirmed his calling in special education, leading him to dedicate his career to the field.

As principal, Mr. DeBlasio aims to leverage his expertise to implement a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) at the school, focusing on intervention, support, as well as special education services. His approach to 21st-century learning, aligned with the district’s Vision 2030 initiative, involves utilizing technology to enhance both lessons and student interactions to provide ongoing enrichment.

The Valley Stream 24 School District congratulates Mr. DeBlasio on his new role and extends a warm welcome to him as he begins this exciting chapter with the community.

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