Hickam preparing for first year as Du Quoin school superintendent

DU QUOIN - As a new school year draws ever so close, Matt Hickam prepares himself for his latest challenge - that of governing over an entire school district as its superintendent.

Last February, the board of education made it official and hired Hickam as the replacement for longtime lead administrator, Gary Kelly. The latter is now transitioning out while the "rookie," Hickam, establishes himself in his new role, having ascended from the ranks of building principal at the high school.

A Murphysboro native, Hickam has paid his dues, having served as a teacher's aide for one year and then a classroom instructor for the next 10 years, including Special Education, at Murphysboro. He moved into administration when he accepted the high school principal's position at Du Quoin and held that position the last several years.

So, Hickam believes ... scratch that ... he knows he is ready for the next step forward in his career as an educator.

"I'm blessed to have the opportunity to be a superintendent, and more specifically, to be the one to lead this school district," Hickam said.

Kelly has said repeatedly that Hickam is a good choice for the district.

"Matt works well with the faculty and staff, and based on my observation, has the support of the staff in all endeavors," Kelly said. "He will continue to be involved in community activities and will be highly visible at school events. He has a tremendous work ethic and will continue to grow professionally in his new position."

Hickam said he believes his experience in both the classroom and in the principal's office, as well as some coaching from Kelly, will allow him to hit the ground running as superintendent.

"A new challenge is always exciting. This gives me a chance to learn why education is a good choice for me," he said. "I want to help solve any problems that need solved. I want to make a difference with this new job."

Hickam said the focus, as he sees it as the district's top administrator, is to prepare students for the next level - whether that's from elementary to junior high, junior high to high school, or high school to college and trade school.

"It's our job to surround our students with as much support as we can because we want them to be successful in life. Providing a balanced education allows for that and that includes counseling, health care, and proper nutrition."

A nurturing environment is also a key.

"Kids need to feel like they belong," Hickam said. "And fortunately for us, this district has some outstanding teachers who help make that happen, both in the classroom and with extracurricular activities."

Smaller class sizes which lead to more one-on-one instruction certainly help, too, with the learning process.

Hickam pointed out that Du Quoin's fiscal conservativeness over the years kept the district in the black financially and prevented layoffs at a time when many other school districts were laying off staff due to decreased state funding.

But since funding has been mostly restored through the state's new evidence-based funding plan, the district was able to add teaching positions at both the elementary and high schools last year, as well as three teaching positions this year.

"Let's just say that administrators and boards of education are in a much happier place (frame of mind) than we were a couple of years ago," Hickam said.

That said, Hickam isn't about to start a wild spending spree within the district.

"You always have to think about that rainy day down the road, so it's important that we remain wise with our money."