Wednesday, June 18, 2025
The Valley Stream District 24 was recently inducted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national coalition of over 150 school districts that are leading advancements in education. Valley Stream 24 is among just 14 districts in New York that are members of this organization. Superintendent Unal Karakas was honored during the induction, along with 29 other superintendents representing their districts from across the country. The event was held at the League’s Fall 2024 Convening hosted by the Lindsay Unified School District in Lindsay, California.
“The League of Innovative Schools is highly selective, and we are honored to have been chosen to join this network of forward-thinking districts and communities nationwide. As we continue advancing our Vision 2030 initiative, our Board of Education and entire district community remain laser-focused on preparing students with the skills necessary for the 21st century. Being part of the League allows us to expand our resources, support, and collaborative opportunities as we continually innovate our educational practices,” said Karakas.
School districts are considered for the League of Innovative Schools after completing a rigorous application and interview process assessing the qualifications of the Superintendent and the District. Districts are selected based on their visionary leadership, commitment to equity and innovation, cutting-edge approach to education, significant accomplishments, and collaborative efforts.
Valley Stream 24 was selected for its dedication to fostering strong relationships with families and community partners, commitment to innovative teaching and learning, and preparation of students for successful futures. As a member of the League, Valley Stream 24 will have the opportunity to connect with educators from other districts, collaborate on forward-thinking ideas, and execute strategic plans that will help shape the future of education.
Valley Stream 24 was also recognized for hosting family forums at each school, which provide students and their families the opportunity to share aspects of their cultures, celebrate diversity, and foster an appreciation for the district community’s rich cultural history. Embedding culture into curriculum, learning, and experiences has been a major focus for the district.
Superintendent Karakas connected with district officials across the country to discuss trending topics in education and collaborate on ways to incorporate technology and innovation in their own districts. The League hosts monthly Zoom meetings to continue the work and discussions among members.
While in California for the fall convening, Karakas visited several schools in the Lindsay Unified School District and saw firsthand how it has transformed its educational practices. Student ambassadors gave Dr. Karakas a tour of various classrooms and showcased their innovative approach to learning.
“It was inspiring to see a learner-centered approach where students actively track their goals, progress, and achievements,” Karakas said.
The League of Innovative Schools was launched in 2011 by Digital Promise, a global nonprofit working to expand educational opportunities around the world. Since its inception, Digital Promise has impacted over 4.4 million students and 180,000 teachers.
