Valley Stream 24 Board of Education Trustee Cynthia Nuñez Announces Resignation Amid New Role as Legislator

Cynthia Nuñez, a dedicated member of the Valley Stream 24 School District community, recently began her service as Nassau County District 14 Legislator following her victory in the November 2025 election. While the milestone marks an exciting new chapter in Ms. Nuñez’s career, the news was bittersweet for the Valley Stream 24 community as it came with her resignation as trustee on the Board of Education after over three years of service.

“It has been a profound honor to serve as a trustee for Valley District 24,” Ms. Nuñez said at the district’s December Board of Education meeting as she announced her resignation, which was effective December 31st, 2025. “While it is difficult to step away from the seat, I do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together.”

Ms. Nuñez was appointed as Board of Education trustee in July 2022 and has been an active and engaged member of the Valley Stream community for nearly two decades. Prior to her service on the Board, she was a dedicated PTA member and served on the sixth-grade parent committee for over a decade, consistently advocating for students, families, and educational excellence.

“On behalf of our entire Board of Education and the Valley Stream 24 community, I extend our deepest gratitude to Trustee Cynthia Nuñez for her tireless service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our staff, students, and families,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “Throughout her tenure, Trustee Nuñez consistently led with integrity, purpose and a clear focus on what is best for children. She has been a fierce advocate for every student and school in our district and a thoughtful, collaborative partner in advancing the collective work of the Board and district.”

“Trustee Nuñez was a strong advocate for innovation and transformation in education, firmly believing in the importance of preparing students for success in the 21st century,” Dr. Karakas continued. “Her work on the Policy Committee reflected this belief, helping to ensure that district policies aligned with forward-thinking practices that support student readiness, growth, and opportunity. She also served on multiple Board committees and played an instrumental role on the Legislative Committee, where her collaborative advocacy helped secure a half-million-dollar grant in partnership with Assemblywoman Solages.”

Valley Stream 24 students saw this grant and partnership in action last spring when the funding was used to install new water bottle filtration systems in all schools and to construct a new sensory playground at Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School.

“This is an accomplishment that will have a lasting impact on our schools and students,” Dr. Karakas concluded. “While this moment is bittersweet, we are incredibly proud of Trustee Nuñez’s continued commitment to public service and look forward to partnering with her as she transitions into her next chapter as a legislator. Her leadership, voice, and dedication have left an enduring mark on Valley Stream 24, and we are grateful for the example she has set in service to our community.”

On announcing her resignation, Ms. Nuñez expressed gratitude for the Valley Stream 24 community and shared her hopes for the future.

“First and foremost, I want to thank our superintendent, Dr. Karakas,” she said. “Under your steadfast guidance, this administration has reached new heights of effectiveness. Your vision has provided the stability and direction our district needed, and it has been a privilege to witness the progress made under your leadership.”

She continued, “To our administrators, teachers, and staff: you are the heartbeat of our schools. Your dedication ensures that our students, the very reason we serve, have the tools to succeed. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated individuals who prioritize our children's success above all else. To the parents: thank you. Thank you for partnership. Thank you for trusting us with your children's future. To my colleagues on the board of education, thank you for the shared hours of debate, collaboration, and service. Local governance is the foundation of our democracy.”

Ms. Nuñez addressed her transition to a new role, stating, “This is not a farewell, but a transition. This resignation allows me to continue the good work we have started over the past several years on a larger platform. I am excited to share that I will be cheering you on from the Nassau County Legislature. In my new role, I look forward to partnering with Valley Stream District 24 and continuing to support your growth and prosperity for years to come. Thank you to my colleagues. Thank you Valley Stream District 24 for the opportunity to serve.”

As she transitions to her new role in county government, Ms. Nuñez leaves behind a lasting impact on the Valley Stream 24 School District and looks forward to continuing her commitment to public service at the county level.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldist... and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24S... #MakeTheConnection #VS24 #InnovatingOurFuture