(a) Parents and guardians shall be held responsible for the regular and punctual attendance of children at school in clean and decent apparel.
(b) As used in this title, a person in parental relation to a minor shall include his father or mother, by birth or adoption, his legally appointed guardian, or his custodian. A person shall be regarded as the custodian of a minor if he has assumed the charge and care of the minor because its parents or legally appointed guardian have died, or are in prison, insane, committed to an institution, or because they have abandoned or deserted the minor, or are living outside this jurisdiction, or their whereabouts are unknown.
(c) The absence or tardiness of children may be excused for reasons acceptable to principals or teachers. Teachers, principals, attendance officers, or other school officials may require that the reasons given as the cause for absence be substantiated by statements of a physician, dentist, nurse, or any other authoritatively informed person before the absence or tardiness be excused.
(d) Any parent or guardian who contributes to the truancy of any child under his or her care shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine of not more than $100.