SMYRNA, Del.- Some Delaware parents say schools need to close as more students and teachers come down with the H1N1 virus. Local school districts said a growing number of students are staying home after becoming sick because of the H1N1 virus and other illnesses.

Helen Roddy said her 9-year-old son Joshua has been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. And she doesn't think her son is alone.

"There was probably only 25 percent of the kids on the bus this morning when he stopped," she said.

Her son attends Sunnyside Elementary School in the Smyrna School District. The district said in the elementary schools, there are an "elevated" number of students out sick. The district did not have specific numbers, but Superintendent Deborah Wicks said the number of students out sick seems to be leveling off.

While fewer kids are attending school, the government and school districts said closing schools would create a major disruption for students. Districts have been told only to close schools as a last resort.

"I am appalled actually and I think it all comes down to the cost," Roddy said.

A recent report from the Brookings Institute suggested closing schools would cost tens of billions of dollars, as parents are forced to stay home with kids and miss work.

So far only one school has been closed in Delaware, a charter school in New Castle County. Delaware's Department of Health said schools should receive H1N1 vaccines sometime in November.