Teacher Absenteeism at Chicago Public Schools Reaches New Lows
A recent report from the Illinois State Board of Education reveals that 43.2% of teachers in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) were absent for 10 or more days in the 2024-2025 school year. This figure marks the lowest attendance rate for teachers in nearly a decade, according to the Illinois Policy Institute.
The report indicates that, typically, teacher absences for reasons like professional development or medical issues account for less than 10% at the end of October each year. It’s worth mentioning that this situation appears to be worse than the statewide average.
Concerns Over Union Focus
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) acknowledges the issue, with some arguing that the union should take stronger actions to enhance attendance. A policy researcher from the Illinois Policy Institute pointed out that the focus on political matters outside the classroom has overshadowed educational priorities, noting that just 43% of students meet reading proficiency standards. This, they believe, is attributed to the union’s priorities.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the impact of chronic absenteeism not just among teachers but also among the students. The message here seems to be that educators should set a better example in terms of attendance to foster a more stable learning environment.
Enrollment Trends
While tackling teacher absenteeism, CPS is also facing declining enrollment numbers. Current figures show that there are 316,224 students enrolled, which represents a 2.8% drop compared to the previous year.
The Chicago Tribune highlighted that despite the challenges, Chicago’s median teacher salary stands at $95,000, which is notably higher than that of suburban teachers and exceeds salaries in other large school districts across the nation. This raises questions, really—how does compensation impact attendance and overall educational quality?
As discussions continue, neither the CPS, CTU, nor the board responded to inquiries regarding these findings. It’s a complex situation, and finding the right path forward won’t be easy.
