High absence rates may force Loudon Co. schools to close

High absence rates may force Loudon Co. schools to close

By HARLOW SUMERFORD
6 News Reporter

LOUDON (WATE) -- In Loudon County Monday, the absence numbers were slightly improved over the 11 percent of students out sick on Friday. Parents report plenty of cases of flu-like symptoms and other illnesses.

The numbers are forcing officials to consider closing schools.

At Loudon High School alone, 24 percent of students missed class on Friday.

The numbers were better Monday. Only 11 percent were absent.

However, that's still very high. Normally, the system expects only between two and five percent absent this time of year.

If things don't improve, Assistant Director of Schools Jason Vance says Loudon County will have to consider closing schools.

"Another reason we might consider is not having enough teachers. We think about kids getting sick and a large percentage of students, but we are also having a large number of teachers being sick and finding a replacement, substitute teachers, to fill their spots is becoming more and more difficult," Vance explains. 

The flu appears to be spreading. On Monday, North Middle School had the most absences in the district: 151 kids or 18 percent were out sick.

Anytime a school has more than 20 percent absent, there's cause for concern.

But the numbers are too inconsistent. Just as one school population is getting sick, another is improving.

"We are encouraging parents to be smart, use common sense. If kids have a fever, we ask them to stay home for 24 hours and certainly if they have flu-like symptoms, we ask them to consult their doctors and take appropriate precautions to take care of their children," Vance says.

Schools are doing the same, cleaning more often and encouraging kids to wash their hands.