Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Valley Stream Union Free School District 24 Board of Education approved a five-year contract for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas during its Aug. 19 meeting, extending his leadership as the district moves forward with its Vision 2030 initiative.
Karakas began serving as superintendent in 2023 and has led district efforts focused on student achievement, innovation, school culture and the modernization of learning environments.
Under his leadership, the district has expanded instructional opportunities, strengthened academic support systems and continued investing in school facilities and learning environments.
A major recent accomplishment has been the completion of air conditioning installations at all three elementary schools. With the project completed, every classroom in the district will be air conditioned for the 2026-27 school year.
The district also has continued implementing Vision 2030, an initiative focused on integrating 21st-century learning and technology into instruction while promoting student engagement and agency. Other efforts have included expanding enrichment and world language opportunities, introducing new instructional models and increasing the use of data and differentiated support to address individual student needs.
Valley Stream 24 also has received recognition for its approach to innovation. Since 2024, the district has been a member of the League of Innovative Schools, a national network that includes 175 school districts.
Board of Education President Annette Matthew said she has seen firsthand the commitment Karakas brings to the district.
“I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the energy, commitment, and heart that Dr. Karakas brings to Valley Stream 24,” Matthew said.
Matthew said Karakas has established ambitious goals while keeping students, staff and families at the center of the district’s work.
“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 said. “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.”
Karakas said the new agreement will allow the district to build on the progress made during his first three years as superintendent.
“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,” Karakas said.
While he said he is proud of the district’s accomplishments, Karakas added that he believes there is more work ahead.
“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,” he said.
Karakas said he looks forward to continuing the work with the Board of Education, district staff, families and the broader Valley Stream 24 community.
The district said it will continue to focus on innovative teaching and learning, student achievement, modern learning environments and a strong school culture as it advances its vision of “Making the Connection: Innovating Our Future.”
