Antioch superintendent keeping things simple

It is the first day of school, but still feels a lot like summer for the 345 students and 50 teachers assembled in the Emmons Elementary School gym. Robert Machak, the new superintendent, decided to keep his message simple.

"I'm not big on rules and regulations," he told the kids today. "There are three things you need to do this year: respect yourself, respect others and try your hardest."

He went on to challenge the kindergarten through eighth graders to pursue excellence and have fun while doing it.

Machak comes to Emmons Elementary District 33 in Antioch from his former position as principal of Field Middle School in Northbrook. The 42-year-old Waukegan native, also has served as the assistant principal at Hawthorn Junior High School in Vernon Hills, and taught English at Mundelein High School in the early 90s.

Referring to recently retired Emmons superintendent Matt Tabar, Machak said, "I have some big shoes to fill." Tabar retired in June after 18 years.

There are specific things Machak wants to accomplish in his first year. He's hoping to secure grant money to bolster the single-school district's financial situation. Improvements to building security are on his list, as well as upgrading science labs. But, he says his primary focus will be keeping his ears open to new ideas.

"I'm not the kind of guy who wants to come in making big changes from the start," Machak said. "I want to be a great listener. I want to hear from teachers, staff and parents. They are the ones with the great ideas."