Whenever the board of school directors in any fourth class district or any district of the third class which is in a township agrees to or is required to provide transportation for any pupils, such board of school directors may, upon petition of the parent, guardian, or person in parental relation to any of said pupils, in lieu of providing such transportation, pay for suitable board and lodging for such pupils, if such board and lodging is secured in the home of a near relative of the pupil or in a proper school or home approved by the person making the petition.