A successful program to improve personnel attendance has reduced sick leave in 40 New Jersey school districts without increasing dismissals, grievances, or costs. The author describes the five steps in this Attendance Improvement Program (AIP), including (1) analysis of data on staff absences due to illness; (2) preparation of operating guidelines for administering the AIP; (3) consultation with medical, legal, and labor-relations specialists; (4) development of an action plan to begin the AIP; and (5) implementation of the plan. They append suggested policy and guideline statements; data forms; absence forms for individuals, schools, and districts; and suggestions for recognition of good attendance through newsletters or personal communications. The paper also discusses management's role in causing staff absence and the reasons why a district should have an attendance improvement plan. (RW)