Illinois H.S. A.D. Hasn’t Missed A Day In 14 Years

Victor J. Andrew High School Athletic Director Rich Piatchek says he has a “great job” and it’s obvious he can’t stay away from it.

While dozens of District 230 staff members recognized for perfect attendance at Monday’s teacher’s Institute Day at Andrew High School, Piatchek has the longest perfect attendance streak in the district –14  years without missing a day.

“I was taught in grade school that if you’re not there, someone else has to do your job. So I don’t like to take sick days,’ said Piatchek, who has also been with the district 14 years.

Given his history, his perfect attendance is no surprise.

Piatchek, who grew up in Springfield, said he missed just two days total in 12 years of grade school and high school.  Counting that and his years as a teacher, coach and athletic director at Springfield Griffin, Hillcrest and Andrew high schools, he said he’s had perfect attendance in 35 out of 37 years.

There has never been a morning in which he has awakened and said he didn’t feel like going to work, said Piatchek. He has stayed healthy during his school years.

“Luckily, I’ve only had one small incident,’ he said. “I had my gallbladder taken out but that happened during a summer.”