Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Valley Stream Central High School District has appointed Jennifer DiMaio as its first-ever Deputy Superintendent. This newly established leadership position supports the district’s growing instructional and programmatic needs.
With over two decades of experience in the district, including as a teacher, administrator, and former student, DiMaio brings a strong combination of professional expertise and personal connection to her new role.
“She has proven herself not only as a steadfast leader and essential member of our administrative team, but also as an expert in curricular systems,” Superintendent of Schools for VSCHSD Wayne Loper said. “Working closely with principals and department chairs, she has kept us at the cutting edge of education while overseeing the introduction of key innovations in social-emotional learning and culturally responsive-sustaining education. She has been a true partner and driving force in our District.”
The Deputy Superintendent position was created to enhance the district’s ability to manage and expand educational opportunities across all schools. DiMaio will support curriculum development, collaborate with school leaders, and help oversee district initiatives in areas such as culturally responsive education, restorative practices, and professional learning. She will also play a central role in the continued growth of special education services, Advanced Placement offerings and career and technical education programs.
DiMaio is a lifelong Valley Stream resident and a graduate of Central High School. She attended Wheeler Avenue School and Memorial Junior High School and credits the educators she encountered throughout her own K–12 experience with inspiring her career path. After graduating, she went on to study psychology and Spanish at Boston University, then earned both her master’s degree in Spanish and TESOL instruction and her doctorate in educational administration from New York University.
Her teaching career began in 2002 at North High School, where she taught English as a New Language and Spanish for 17 years. Though her connection had initially been with Central High School, she quickly became immersed in the North community.
“It was a beautiful full-circle moment,” DiMaio said. “Now, seeing it from my teacher’s perspective.”
Beyond the classroom, she served in a wide range of student support roles, including as student activities director, grade advisor, club moderator, ENL Buddy Program coordinator, and coach for both basketball and softball.
DiMaio transitioned into administration in 2016 when she was appointed ENL Chairperson at North High School. This position allowed her to blend leadership responsibilities with ongoing engagement in teaching. In 2019, she became the district’s Director of Instructional Services, where she oversaw professional development and instructional planning. She was then named Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in 2023, where she played a key role in implementing district-wide academic initiatives.
Throughout her career, DiMaio emphasized staying grounded in teaching and learning. She views leadership as an extension of her classroom values, noting the importance of maintaining a close understanding of student and teacher needs.
In her new role, she will not only continue overseeing curriculum development and instructional quality but will also play a central role in launching new district initiatives. This includes leading efforts to reintroduce and expand special education programming, as well as guiding the creation of new career and technical education pathways aligned with students’ long-term goals.
For DiMaio, the Deputy Superintendent position represents both a continuation and an evolution of her work. She sees the role as an opportunity to help the district remain responsive to the needs of today’s students while preparing them for success beyond high school.
“My overall goal is really to just continue to serve the community and figure out what the needs are for our students and our families and continue to meet those needs,” DiMaio said. “Because the world is ever-evolving, the education I received 30 years ago is not the same education that the students today need or are receiving. So, I think it’s important to be responsive to the community you serve, while also being responsive to what the world in general is asking of people as they leave high school and enter either college or the work field.
“I just want to continue to be open-minded and look for opportunities to connect our students with positive life outcomes,” she continued. “And just really be adaptive in that way so that our students continue to find success in our schools, but more importantly, become successful adults when they graduate.”
DiMaio is grateful to the Board of Education and Loper for the opportunity to serve in this new role. For her, it is not only a professional milestone but a personal honor to continue contributing to the same community that played such
