How Can Staff Absence Data Help You Keep Classrooms Covered?

Staff absences in schools are more predictable than many realize, and they have a direct impact on classroom coverage and student learning. In this session, Dr. Kevin Agnello shares how school HR leaders can leverage absence data to improve substitute staffing, forecast high-absence days, and make smarter resource decisions. Whether you’re just starting to track absence data or looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with clear strategies you can act on right away.

What We’ll Cover:

• Key metrics every district should track (fill rate, lead time, active sub pool)
• How to spot predictable absence trends across the school year
• Using historical data to forecast daily absences with accuracy
• Strategies districts use to turn predictions into staffing actions

What You’ll Learn / Take Away:

• How to identify and act on absence trends in your district
• Tactics to improve fill rates and optimize substitute coverage
• Practical steps HR teams can take next week to prepare for spring staffing challenges