(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 this state, or pursuant to the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, 705 ILCS 405, that 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 Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5, 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, observation of a religious holiday, death in the immediately family, family emergency and other situations beyond the control of the minor as determined by the Board of Education in each District or such 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 between the ages of seven and 16 years inclusive 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 determined herein, or by the school in which the minor is enrolled. 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 such absences has substantially been obtained from the parent or lawful guardian, provided that such permission is submitted in writing to the proper school authorities within 24 hours of the next regularly scheduled school day after such 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.
(2000 Code, § 132.03) (Ord. 1718, passed 12-7-1998) Penalty, see § 132.99