As the new school year approaches, concerns are rising about potential delays for students returning to Orland High School District 230 due to recent U.S. travel bans. Superintendent Robert Nolting noted that multiple families have reached out, anxious they might not return in time for classes starting on August 13.
Past travel restrictions had already created similar issues, with students often traveling to regions like the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa during summer. Nolting explained that this year’s situation appears heightened compared to previous years, although it is not entirely new for the district.
Not all local districts share similar concerns. High School District 218’s Superintendent, Josh Barron, mentioned there had been no reports of families worried about travel-related absences but acknowledged a general concern.
Parents and students encouraged to notify schools promptly about potential absences, Nolting explained that the district can provide advanced makeup work for brief absences. In cases where students may miss substantial time, the district can adjust schedules or offer online learning options to help them reintegrate.
However, delays in attendance could impact students’ engagement with resources, athletics, or key deadlines, particularly as practices for fall sports generally begin before classes resume.
Historically, similar disruptions were felt during the travel bans of 2019 and 2020, along with challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently re-implemented travel bans, enacted in June by former President Donald Trump, primarily affect individuals from Africa and the Middle East, and the regulations lack a set expiration date. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has reported a surge in re-entry concerns related to these bans, emphasizing the need for families to plan their travel back to the U.S. ahead of the school year’s start.
Nolting also highlighted that confusion over varying school start dates in neighboring districts often results in missing students. The district routinely sees enrollment adjustments shortly after classes begin as families transition from other school systems, including Chicago Public Schools, which may start even later than Labor Day.