NEWSPAPER INVESTIGATION

The Eagle Tribune, (Massachusetts) produced a series in 2003 called "Marked Absent" teachers spend far less time on the job than most workers, thanks to liberal leave benefits granted decades ago.

Series includes:
When teacher's out
Few in work force match sick day benefit
Teachers cite stress, exposure to germs
No substitute 'No one pays attention'
Days off costing state $1B
Training puts strain on Newburyport
Teacher temp agencies turn a profit on sick days
Sick leave abuse seldom addressed by schools
Sick leave buybacks don't always pay off
'Insurance policy' approach to sick days has uncertain origin

Read the whole thing. It's worth the time to find out what questions you should ask of your school board.