LTHS Teacher Absenteeism Among Lowest In Area

LA GRANGE, IL – Lyons Township High School's teacher absenteeism rate is among the lowest in the area and far better than the state average.

Last school year, 20 percent of Lyons Township High School's teachers were absent 10 or more days, compared with 36 percent statewide, according to the Illinois Report Card website. A year earlier, the high school's rate was 37 percent.

By comparison, Hinsdale High School District 86 has recorded a 47 percent rate over the last couple of years.

Patch reviewed the rates in 30 area districts. Lyons Township High's rate was fifth lowest.

Those lower were Pleasantdale School District 107 (0 percent), Western Springs District 101 (10 percent), Proviso High School District 209 (15 percent) and Addison School District 88 (18 percent).

Under state law, the rate does not include absences for professional development, leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, long-term disability or parental leave.

The U.S. Department of Education sees teacher attendance as a leading indicator of student achievement. Teachers with regular attendance provide continuity of instruction and attention to individual students, according to the Illinois Report Card.

"The National Bureau of Economic Research has shown that when teachers are absent for 10 days or more, student outcomes decrease significantly," the report card said. "Teacher absence results in loss of instruction time for students, as well as financial concerns to the district when substitutes must be employed."

Source: Illinois Report Card, 2022-2023