Torrington probe of teacher absences demanded

TORRINGTON, Conn. (AP) — A Torrington Board of Education member is demanding an investigation into dozens of sick days taken by teachers on professional development days and before and after holidays.

The Republican-American reports that Paul E. Cavagnero proposed on Wednesday that the board direct school administrators to investigate when teachers took days off. An investigation might show if teachers routinely extend holidays and weekends and skip development days.

The newspaper said Mary F. Svetz-Juliano, president of the teachers' union, could not be reached for comment after Wednesday night's meeting.

The board was told last month that 40 teachers and other certified school staff called out sick on Nov. 6, a professional development day. Thirty-six teachers called in sick on the Friday before the Veterans Day holiday.

Fourteen paraprofessionals also called out sick.

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Information from: Republican-American