District 124 welcomes new superintendent Machak
July 26, 2012 1:08PM
Robert Machak recently was named the new superintendent of Evergreen Park School District 124. Machak is pictured here in 2009 making hot dogs for students and families during a back-to-school picnic at Emmons School in Antioch, Ill., where he previously served as superintendent. | File Photo
Updated: August 30, 2012 6:02AM
The Evergreen Park School District 124 Board of Education recently named Robert Machak as the district’s new superintendent.
The board completed a search using the candidate profile developed by the staff and community to find an experienced teacher, cooperative leader, relationship-builder and advocate for kids, district officials said.
“As the superintendent of Emmons School District 33 in Antioch, Ill. for the last four years, Dr. Machak brings a wealth of experience to the job,” district officials said in a news release. “In that time he led an increase in the percentage of students meeting/exceeding state goals on the ISAT tests in reading, math and writing.”
Emmons also earned the Illinois’ School of Academic Excellence Award in 2011, and Machak moved the district from the state’s financial watch list to recognition status.
Machak started his career in education as an English teacher in Des Plaines, where he also spent four years as the freshman baseball coach and director of adult education programs. After earning a master’s degree in school administration in 1997, he became a junior high school assistant principal in Hawthorn District 73.
Two years later, Machak was named principal of Field Middle School in Northbrook, Ill. During his nine years at Field, his school was awarded the National Blue Ribbon Award for Academic Excellence, named a Service Learning Leader School by the nonprofit Corporation for National Service, and designated a National School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
Machak earned his doctoral degree from National-Louis University in 2005.
“The district has been moving in a positive direction with many new programs and improved student achievement,” district officials said. “Dr. Machak will surely keep the momentum going and bring new ideas to our district, as well.
Machak officially took over as superintendent on July 1.
Staff reports
