Webster Groves approves Red Rover absence‑management system to replace Frontline

Superintendent Wiley Skinner and HR staff described Red Rover, a cloud absence‑management platform the district plans to pilot and then adopt. Staff said Red Rover automates absence tracking, texts job offers to substitute teachers, supports partial‑day fills, and includes a free mobile app and calendar integration for accepted assignments.

The district plans a pilot between the meeting date and June 30 and training for administrative assistants and building staff over the summer. Staff noted that the substitute pool is Webster’s own hires (about 115–120 subs), who may also work for other districts, and argued that text notifications and app integration should improve fill rates. The annual cost for Red Rover was presented as $13,100 compared with the current Frontline cost of $12,800.

Board action: A board member moved to approve the Red Rover contract for the 2026–27 school year; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The contract is operationally focused — staff said improved fill rates and partial‑day fills could reduce classroom disruption and administrative time spent filling vacancies. The reported annual cost increase is modest, but staff framed the system as an upgrade in functionality.

Next steps: Staff will pilot the system in selected buildings, train administrators and then roll it out across the district pending the pilot and contract activation.