I hear what you are saying but it is a job. What do parents do at their job when they need to take a day off? Would it not be better to deal with a few slackers and have subs or teachers aides that they feel are A+ to step in to cover when needed.
This is why we need school vouchers.
Schools that do not perform should die. Those failing teachers, administrators and union bosses should be fired.
A new school with vouchers run by caring parents could replace the uncaring, failed, union shop.
The new school with teachers, parents, and administrators who might actually care could be in the same buildings.
This is not just a few slackers..."absentee rate is highest on Fridays, when an average of 1,800 teachers don't show..."
A band-aid will not fix this problem.
Major Surgery is indicated.