(A) Truancy: It shall be unlawful for any person between the ages of seven (7) and seventeen (17) years 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 valid cause. Any person who should so absent himself or herself shall be guilty of the offense of truancy.
(B) Excessive Absenteeism: It shall be unlawful for any person between the ages of seven (7) and seventeen (17) years enrolled in a public, private or parochial school within the corporate limits of the village to absent himself or herself from attendance at school for five (5) or more student attendance days during any one school year, unless such absenteeism is for valid cause and has been approved by his or her school district.
(C) Emergency Conditions: Emergency or unforeseen absence due to illness or other causes beyond the control of the person so absenting himself or herself shall not constitute truancy or excessive absenteeism if a valid cause has been obtained from the parent or person in loco parentis and such valid cause is submitted in writing to the proper school authorities within twenty four (24) hours after such absence.
(D) Valid Cause: A valid cause for absence is an illness that would temporarily impair or interfere with a student's learning ability, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency or such other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent, guardian or custodian for the safety or health of the student. Valid cause shall not include babysitting, employment activities (unless specifically sanctioned by the student's school district) or any other reason that does not temporarily impair or interfere with a student's learning ability.
(E) Penalty: Any person found guilty of truancy or excessive absenteeism under this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). Any person found guilty of truancy or excessive absenteeism more than three (3) times in any school year shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars ($300.00) for each subsequent offense. (Ord. 744, 4-10-2013)