The Des Moines School Board has not publicly addressed whether its members or district officials were aware of inaccuracies in former Superintendent Ian Roberts' resume before his hiring. This silence comes two weeks after Roberts' arrest, bringing renewed scrutiny to the district's hiring processes.
Key Takeaways
- Des Moines School Board remains silent on former Superintendent Ian Roberts' resume inaccuracies.
- Roberts claimed a doctorate from Morgan State University, but a background check found no degree.
- The district's search firm, JG Consulting, identified the discrepancy in 2023.
- Roberts was arrested in Connecticut on unrelated charges, including first-degree larceny.
- Community members and a board member are calling for transparency and accountability.
Background of Ian Roberts' Hiring
Ian Roberts was hired as superintendent in May 2023. His application stated he held a doctorate from Morgan State University. However, a background check conducted by JG Consulting, the firm hired by the district for the superintendent search, revealed this claim was false. Roberts attended Morgan State University between 2002 and 2007 but did not complete a degree there.
The Des Moines School Board voted 6-1 to hire Roberts, with one member, Jackie Norris, abstaining. The board approved Roberts' contract on May 9, 2023. This contract included a salary of $275,000 per year and a $15,000 signing bonus. The total compensation package was substantial.
Fact Check: Ian Roberts' Degree Claims
- Claimed Degree: Doctorate from Morgan State University.
- Actual Status: Attended 2002-2007, no degree obtained.
- Verified By: JG Consulting's background check.
The Role of JG Consulting and the Background Check
JG Consulting, a national search firm, was paid $27,000 by the Des Moines School District to find a new superintendent. Part of their service included conducting thorough background checks on all finalists. The firm's report flagged the discrepancy regarding Roberts' doctorate. It explicitly noted that he did not receive the claimed degree.
This information was reportedly provided to the school district's legal counsel, Matthew Carver. Carver then shared the findings with the school board members. This means board members were made aware of the resume inaccuracy before the final hiring decision.
"Our process included a comprehensive background check through a third-party vendor, which provided the board with a report on all finalists," stated a representative for JG Consulting in an earlier communication. This confirms that the information was made available.
Board's Knowledge and Silence
Despite the background check findings, the Des Moines School Board has not confirmed if they knew about the false degree claim. Two weeks after Roberts' arrest in Connecticut, the board has not issued a statement addressing this specific issue. Board members have also declined to comment individually on the matter.
This lack of communication has led to concerns about transparency. Many community members and local media outlets are seeking answers. They want to understand why the board proceeded with Roberts' hiring if they were aware of the resume inaccuracies.
Context: Superintendent Selection Process
Superintendent searches often involve multiple stages. These stages typically include application review, initial interviews, public forums, and extensive background checks. The Des Moines district followed a similar process. The background check is a critical step to verify candidates' qualifications and ensure public trust.
Recent Developments and Legal Issues
Ian Roberts was arrested in Connecticut on May 29, 2024. He faces charges of first-degree larceny and making a false statement. These charges are unrelated to his employment with the Des Moines School District. They stem from allegations of fraud regarding his previous employment in Connecticut.
Roberts' arrest intensified the focus on his professional history. It also brought renewed attention to the vetting process conducted by the Des Moines School District. The district placed Roberts on administrative leave after his arrest.
Roberts resigned from his position as superintendent in Des Moines on June 10, 2024. His resignation came amidst growing pressure and public scrutiny. The board accepted his resignation unanimously during a special meeting.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Some board members and community advocates are calling for greater transparency. Teree Caldwell-Johnson, a former Des Moines School Board member, emphasized the importance of truthfulness in applications. She stated that such misrepresentations erode public trust.
Community groups have expressed disappointment and frustration. They are demanding a full explanation from the school board. They want to know the extent of the board's knowledge about Roberts' resume before his hiring. This situation highlights the need for rigorous due diligence in public sector appointments.
Key Dates
- May 2023: Ian Roberts hired as superintendent.
- May 29, 2024: Roberts arrested in Connecticut.
- June 10, 2024: Roberts resigns as superintendent.
Future Steps for the School District
The Des Moines School District now faces the challenge of finding a new superintendent. This process will likely be under intense public scrutiny. The district will need to rebuild trust with its community. This involves being open about past decisions and future hiring practices.
Lessons learned from this incident could lead to changes in how the district vets candidates. It might also lead to more direct communication with the public about such findings. Ensuring the integrity of academic credentials is a fundamental requirement for educational leaders.
The board's silence on whether it knew about the resume inaccuracies continues to fuel public concern. A clear and comprehensive explanation is expected by many stakeholders. This will be crucial for restoring confidence in the district's leadership.
