I also work for the school system and when I got my lil one a year an a half ago I had her in an xpen in the kitchen during the day with plenty of toys/potty pad, food/water dish and the radio playing during the day while I was gone but made sure I gave her plenty of quality time when I was home in the evening. I'd take her out for a walk (weather permitting) or let her go out in the back patio to run around. She has now gratuated to where she has the whole run of the kitchen during the day and when I get home can go outside an play till it gets dark....I think she has adjusted to me being home on the weekends, fall brake/winter break/ summer break....
