Franklin-Williamson Regional Office of Education-#21--News & Events

If you want to get the job done — just about any job — you can call the Egyptian Building and Construction Trades Council. And when it comes to helping needy kids, you can follow that same plan. For the 18th year the Council is sponsoring the “Coats for Kids” golf tournament.

The name is a misnomer of sorts since the amount of money raised goes toward buying coats, shoes and any other clothing needed by area kids. The beneficiaries are recommended by teachers and school officials who are most qualified to make those judgments.
Tom Caliper, executive director of the Council, is a tireless worker for the event, which will be held Monday, July 27 at the Franklin County Country Club. It will be a “scramble” format with three flights and prizes and awards in each.

There will be a morning and afternoon round featuring four-member teams that will tee off at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Anyone wanting to be involved in keen athletic competition, a good meal and one of the premier social events of the season can call 'Sue' at 618-937-4505.

“It is a big job organizing the tournament but the rewards are great, as witnessed by the amount of money collected over the years to help these youngsters,” Caliper told the Daily American. “The real credit goes to all the volunteers that help make it happen and, of course, the generous people who always come forward to help the needy children.”

Last year alone 545 children had a warmer winter and new clothing to wear. Although all help for the kids is confidential, one principal told the newspaper that it is heartwarming when the children come in with new shoes or coats and proudly show them off to the teachers that, unbeknownst to them, had recommended them in the first place. If players wonder if their participation and contributions really matter, consider this staggering figure. Caliper pointed out that the tourney proceeds have been able to furnish local schools with $356,371that provided clothing for 7,545 kids! And in the process you have the opportunity to bring the golf course to its knees!
Another dedicated worker in the program is Matt Donkin, Regional Superintendent of Schools. The program is administered by the Franklin-Williamson Regional Office of Education and serves 17 counties. Donkin is the President and Treasurer of Coats for Kids, Inc.

“We know these are tough economic times and therefore the needs of kids will be elevated to a higher level,” Donkin told the Daily American. “We hope that those who can will join us for our one-time-a-year fund raiser.”

Reg. Supt. of Schools Matt Donkin reflects upon his first two years in office

By Alec Ramsay

Daily American News

Wed Jul 08, 2009

West Frankfort, Ill. -

Franklin-Williamson Regional Superintendent of Schools Matt Donkin remembers most of the names and faces of students he taught at FCHS during his 10 plus years as an educator and administrator there. But if he were ever to forget, he could simply look at the dozens of class pictures that line the walls of his office in the upstairs of the Franklin County Annex.

Impeccable memory aside, Donkin surpassed the two-year mark of his term as Regional Superintendent on July 1. He said the position has allowed him to grow and learn to adapt to an array of issues that surface.

"It has been an interesting and challenging two years coming from a school and a job that I was familiar with and worked from the ground up," said Donkin.
"It has been a continual learning process."

Donkin said that his path to office was something that he gradually realized he would be interested in seeking out during his tenure as a teacher and assistant principal at FCHS. After completing the required education at SIUC, and a bit of a friendly nudge from those close to him, Donkin entered the political realm.

Fore more details regarding Donkin's upcoming plans for the Regonial Office of Education, pick up a print version of Wednesday's Daily American.

Courtesy West Frankfort Daily American

Governor Quinn Meets with Dr. Larry Peterson and Southern Illinois Education Officials

Dr. Larry Peterson, president of Shawnee Community College, and a group of other southern Illinois education officials met with Governor Pat Quinn today in Marion.
Others joining Dr. Peterson included (left to right) Dr. Robert Mees, president of John A. Logan College; Dr. Peterson; Guy Alongi, chairman of the Illinois Community College Board; Governor Quinn; Jake Rendleman, a member of the Illinois Community College Board; and Matt Donkin, regional superintendent of schools for Franklin and Williamson counties.
Governor Quinn specifically talked about community colleges today, saying that his proposed budget provides more support for Illinois community colleges.

Regional Superintendent Matt Donkin addresses participants at the Annual TeamQuest Competition

Matt Donkin, Regional Superintendent, addresses the 5th and 6th grade student participants at the Annual TeamQuest Competition held at the Herrin Civic Center. The event lasted 4 days, from February 3-6, and featured students from grades 3 through 12 from the 11 southernmost counties in Illinois. For more information,

Some documents included in the news will require Adobe Reader to view. You may download by clicking the button above. Thank you.

Labor leaders' 'labor of love’