The Des Moines School Board has released a statement declaring it is "a victim of deception" by former Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts. This announcement follows Roberts' arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and his subsequent resignation amid growing questions about his citizenship status and academic background.
In a statement issued on October 1, Board President Jackie Norris addressed the controversy, stating the board was misled. The situation has unfolded rapidly since Roberts, a native of Guyana, was taken into custody on September 26 due to what federal officials describe as a previously unreported final order of removal from May 2024.
Key Takeaways
- The Des Moines School Board says it was deceived by former Superintendent Ian Roberts.
- Roberts was arrested by ICE on September 26 and resigned his position on September 30.
- Officials state Roberts identified as a U.S. citizen on official documents in 2023.
- The board acknowledged it was aware Roberts did not have a doctorate from Morgan State University when he was hired.
- Public reaction has been mixed, with some community members showing support for the former superintendent.
School Board Addresses Growing Controversy
The Des Moines School Board is facing public scrutiny after a series of revelations about its former superintendent. In an official communication, the board sought to clarify its position and address what it termed "misinformation and disinformation."
Board President Jackie Norris conveyed the board's stance in a direct statement.
"The Des Moines School Board is also a victim of deception by Dr. Roberts, one on a growing list that includes our students and teachers, our parents and community, our elected officials and Iowa's Board of Educational Examiners, and others," Norris said.
The statement emphasized the board's commitment to the community and its intention to review and improve its processes moving forward. This declaration comes as the district grapples with the fallout from Roberts' sudden departure.
Timeline of Arrest and Resignation
The events leading to the superintendent's exit occurred in quick succession. The situation began on September 26 when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Ian Roberts. According to federal officials, Roberts had an outstanding final order of removal issued by an immigration judge on May 29, 2024.
Following his arrest, the Des Moines School Board immediately placed him on administrative leave. Shortly after, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners removed his administrator's license.
By September 30, Roberts had tendered his resignation. The Des Moines School Board formally accepted it late that evening, officially ending his tenure with the district, which began in May 2023.
Background on Immigration Status
Federal officials have not detailed the specific reasons behind the removal order against Dr. Roberts. However, both Des Moines Public Schools and the Iowa Department of Education have confirmed that in 2023, Roberts identified himself as an American citizen on official school documentation and during background checks.
Questions Over Academic and Professional History
Beyond the immigration issues, significant questions have emerged regarding the academic credentials Roberts presented. He frequently claimed to hold a doctorate from Morgan State University, a credential that has since been proven false.
While Roberts listed the doctorate on an initial resume, the school board has clarified what it knew during the hiring process. This clarification is a central part of the board's recent statement as it seeks to explain its decisions.
The Hiring Process and Resume Discrepancy
The board explained that the search firm it hired, JG Consulting, was responsible for background checks. The firm flagged the error regarding the Morgan State University doctorate during its vetting process.
According to the board, the resume was then revised to state "ABD," an acronym for "all but dissertation," which indicates doctoral coursework is complete but the final degree has not been awarded. The board members reportedly had this revised resume when they conducted final interviews.
The board also addressed how the incorrect information reappeared. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was made for documents related to Roberts' hiring after he started in May 2023. When the district asked JG Consulting for the documents, the search firm provided the original, uncorrected resume, which was then released.
Community Reaction and Support for Roberts
As the school board released its statement, a small group of approximately 20 people gathered at the Neal Smith Federal Building in downtown Des Moines to show support for the former superintendent.
Several attendees acknowledged the reports of discrepancies but emphasized what they saw as his positive impact on the school district and the community.
Gwyn Bertocki of Urbandale spoke about Roberts' contributions. "He’s certainly been an asset to the community, and he’s shown up for our kids and he’s been there for the families and our schools," she said, suggesting that a potential "glitch" in his paperwork should not overshadow his work.
Another supporter, Benjamin Riemersma of Bondurant, noted that the circumstances did not make Roberts the "most ideal victim" for a protest against ICE actions. However, he stressed that Roberts was a trusted and respected figure in a position of power within the community.
The divided public reaction highlights the complex nature of the situation, with official proceedings conflicting with personal experiences of Roberts' leadership. The school board now faces the task of rebuilding trust and navigating the leadership transition for Iowa's largest school district.
