District 117 superintendent announces retirement

The man who's been busy managing two high schools during the biggest period of growth in the Antioch-Lake Villa area will step down as superintendent.

Jay Sabatino has announced his retirement from Antioch-Lake Villa Area High School District 117 after five years at the helm. He'll be replaced by current principals Mike Nekritz of Antioch High School and Jim McKay of Lakes Community High School. Sabatino will stay in his job next year to oversee the transition.

The 58-year-old Antioch man says he's not heading to another school district, but to rest and relaxation.

"It's time," Sabatino said. "I'm glad that there's some good people to replace me."

The district was expanding at the time Sabatino took the job. Growing enrollment forced the building of a new high school in Lake Villa. Managing and balancing the two schools is challenging, he said, but also a high point of his career.

"It was important that both Antioch and Lakes had similar programs. I didn't want anyone to think either school was superior or inferior to each other," Sabatino said. "They both had to be looked on for excellence."

Sabatino also mentioned implementing the "Physics First" districtwide curriculum this year as a highlight.

Nekritz and McKay will act as "co-superintendents" and also absorb the duties of the assistant superintendent.

"They've worked well together," Sabatino said. "They're always one-upping each other and are familiar with each other's styles. We'll be searching for new principals in due time."

Both principals say they are looking forward to their new roles.

"We've got consistency in our leadership positions already. That should make for a smooth transitions in both buildings," Nekritz said.

McKay credited Sabatino's leadership in putting the schools on solid ground.

"It's an exciting time. Jay has put a nice foundation in place. It's going to be exciting to continue some of the programs that have been established," McKay said.

Sabatino could head off into the sunset to some warmer part of the country, but he isn't moving.

"I'd like to move away for the winters," he quipped. "But no, I'm sticking around."