For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CHRONIC OR HABITUAL TRUANT. A Jersey County student between the ages of 7 and 18 years of age who is absent without valid cause from attendance for 5% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days in school.
JERSEY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT. One or more of the following school districts situated in Jersey County, Illinois:
(1) Jersey Community Unit School District 100; and
(2) Southwestern Community Unit School District 9.
JERSEY COUNTY STUDENT. A student under the age of 18 enrolled in one of the Jersey County School Districts.
PARENT/GUARDIAN. The natural, legal guardian or other person having custody or control of a Jersey County student.
TRUANT. A Jersey County student who is absent from attendance in school without valid cause for such absence.
TRUANT OFFICER. A truant officer employed by one or more of the Jersey County School Districts, or by the Calhoun, Greene, Jersey and Jersey Regional Office of Education, under 105 ILCS 5/3-13.
VALID CAUSE FOR ABSENCE. Illness, observation of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency and/or other such situations beyond the control of the Jersey County student, as determined by the Board of Education of the Jersey County School District in which the student is enrolled, or such other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the safety or health of the Jersey County student.
(Ord. passed 1-14-2011)