First day of classes in Antioch District 34 features visit from new superintendent

New Antioch Elementary District 34 Superintendent Jay Marino visited Hillcrest Elementary School as part of his tour of district schools on the first day of classes Thursday.

"There's very much a friendly warm community feel to the Antioch area," Marino said. "I've been welcomed into the community and already feel like we are part of the family."

For the last five years, Marino was superintendent at Dunlap District 323 in Peoria.

Marino visited teacher Sarah Meyer's first grade classroom at Hillcrest in Antioch, where he sat with the students as they learned the rules for the new school year on Thursday.

Marino said he is impressed with the District 34 staff.

"Just good people that care about kids, so that's what I think is our greatest strength," he said.