More Hinsdale D-86 No-Shows At These Times

DARIEN, IL – A top Hinsdale High School District 86 official last week revealed when the district struggles with staff attendance.

The statement from Chris Covino, assistant superintendent of academics, was during a school board discussion of the district's next three-year calendar.

Member Debbie Levinthal suggested moving two testing days in April to either Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday.

That would make it easier for seniors to go on college trips as they prepare for their future, she said. Many seniors, she said, don't take the tests in question anyway.

"I'm going to ask there be consideration for that," Levinthal said.

Covino said the board avoids scheduling testing on Mondays and Fridays not only because of students being absent, but also staff.

"Mondays and Fridays are notoriously days in which we struggle with all staff being present," Covino said. "In general, we do stay away from Mondays and Fridays on purpose."

District 86 is not alone. Teacher absences on Mondays and Fridays are a recognized problem across the country.