Techniques are provided for reducing synchronization of tasks in a task scheduling system. A task queue includes multiple tasks, some of which require an I/O operation while other tasks require data stored locally in memory. A single thread is assigned to process tasks in the task queue. The thread determines if a task at the head of the task queue requires an I/O operation. If so, then the thread generates an I/O request, submits the I/O request, and may place the task at (or toward) the end of the task queue. When the task reaches the head of the task queue again, the thread determines if data requested by the I/O request is available yet. If so, then the thread processes the request. Otherwise, the thread may place the task at (or toward) the end of the task queue again.