(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
LEGAL GUARDIAN. Any foster parent, or any person appointed guardian, or otherwise awarded custody, of a minor by a court of law in the state, or any person appointed guardian or given custody of a minor under the State Juvenile Court Act, but shall not include any person appointed guardian only to the estate of a minor.
PARENT. The father or mother of a minor child, whether by birth or adoption. The word PARENT, as used in this section, shall also be deemed to mean LEGAL GUARDIAN. In the event that the minor’s parents are divorced or separated within the meaning of the State Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the parent having lawful physical custody of the minor shall be deemed to be the parent authorized to give consent as required by this section.
VALID CAUSE FOR ABSENCE. Illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency and other situations beyond the control of the minor as determined by the board of education in each district or other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent for the health or safety of the minor.
(B) Truancy prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 enrolled in a public, private or parochial school within the corporate limits of the village to absent himself or herself from attendance at school without the permission of his or her parent or legal guardian for absences for valid cause, as defined herein, or by the school in which the minor is enrolled. Any person who shall so absent himself or herself shall be guilty of the offense of truancy and shall be subject to the penalties hereinafter set forth in this chapter. Emergency or unforeseen absences due to illness or other causes beyond the control of the person so absenting himself or herself from school without parental permission shall not constitute truancy if permission for the absences has substantially been obtained from the parent or lawful guardian; provided that, the permission is submitted in writing to the proper school authorities within 24 hours of the next regularly scheduled school day after the absence.
(C) Parental responsibility. It shall be unlawful for a parent or legal guardian to permit his or her minor child or ward to violate this section.
(Ord. 1421, passed 10-20-1994) Penalty, see § 136.99