JG Consulting, the executive search firm hired by Des Moines Public Schools, has announced it will legally defend its work following a lawsuit from the district. The legal action stems from the 2023 hiring of former superintendent Ian Roberts, who was later arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Des Moines School Board alleges the firm failed to properly vet Roberts, who faces federal charges and accusations of being in the country illegally. In a public statement, JG Consulting described the lawsuit as "unfortunate and unwarranted" and affirmed its intention to contest the claims in court.
Key Takeaways
- The Des Moines School Board is suing JG Consulting over the hiring of former superintendent Ian Roberts.
- The lawsuit claims the firm was negligent in its candidate vetting process.
- Roberts was arrested by ICE for allegedly overstaying a visa and faces a federal firearms charge.
- JG Consulting has publicly defended its record and stated it will challenge the lawsuit in court.
- It was revealed the school district is not enrolled in the federal E-Verify system to check work eligibility.
Legal Battle Begins Over Vetting Process
The dispute between Des Moines Public Schools and JG Consulting has escalated into a formal legal challenge. The school board filed a lawsuit asserting that the consulting firm did not fulfill its contractual obligation to thoroughly screen candidates for the district's top leadership position.
In a statement announcing the legal action, Des Moines School Board President Jackie Norris placed the responsibility squarely on the search firm.
"The search firm failed in their duty to properly vet the candidates and Ian Roberts should have never been presented as a potential Superintendent," Norris stated.
In response, JG Consulting issued a formal statement defending its professional history and processes. The firm highlighted its extensive experience, noting it has successfully managed over 65 superintendent searches and more than 200 other executive placements for school districts nationwide.
The company expressed its intent to mount a vigorous legal defense. "That the district has decided to litigate about their choice of candidate is unfortunate and unwarranted," the firm's statement read. "We will answer those claims in a court of law."
What is a Superintendent Search Firm?
School districts often hire specialized consulting firms to manage the complex process of recruiting and vetting candidates for superintendent. These firms are typically responsible for creating a candidate profile, advertising the position, conducting initial screenings, performing background checks, and presenting a list of qualified finalists to the school board for consideration.
The Controversy Surrounding Ian Roberts
The lawsuit centers on the hiring of Ian Roberts in 2023. His tenure as superintendent ended abruptly following his arrest by ICE in September 2025. Federal authorities stated that Roberts had remained in the country illegally after his student visa expired.
Following his arrest, ICE released information indicating Roberts had a significant criminal history. He was also federally charged with being an undocumented alien in possession of firearms. Further allegations surfaced that Roberts may have falsified his academic credentials.
Roberts resigned from his position as superintendent shortly after his arrest. Through his representatives, he has denied the charges against him, suggesting it is a case of mistaken identity.
Key Allegations Against Ian Roberts
- Immigration Status: Allegedly in the U.S. illegally after overstaying a student visa.
- Criminal History: ICE released details of a past criminal record.
- Federal Charges: Charged with possession of firearms as an undocumented alien.
- Academic Record: Accused of falsifying his educational qualifications.
Scrutiny of the District's Hiring Practices
The incident has also brought the school district's own internal procedures under examination. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley revealed that Des Moines Public Schools had not used the federal E-Verify system to confirm Roberts' eligibility to work in the United States.
According to Senator Grassley's office, the district is not even enrolled in the E-Verify program, which is a free, web-based system operated by the federal government that allows employers to confirm the legal work status of new hires.
This revelation adds another layer to the controversy, raising questions about the checks and balances in place within the district's own human resources department. While the lawsuit focuses on the alleged failures of the external search firm, the district's non-use of available federal verification tools is now part of the public discussion.
JG Consulting Stands by Its Record
In its official response, JG Consulting emphasized its long-standing reputation in the field of educational leadership recruitment. The firm noted its pride in its "extensive record of successfully supporting school districts across the nation."
The statement underscored the gravity of the work they perform. "Educating our young people is a tremendous responsibility and we take very seriously the role we play in that process," the firm wrote.
While acknowledging the district's right to file a lawsuit, JG Consulting made it clear that it also has the right to defend its work and reputation. The firm's position suggests that the final hiring decision rested with the school board, framing the outcome as the district's "choice of candidate." The case will now proceed through the legal system, where the responsibilities of both the search firm and the school district will be closely examined.
