Questions persist regarding the background checks performed on Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Roberts was detained on September 26 for allegedly being in the United States illegally, having received a court-issued 'final order of removal' in May 2024, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. District officials have since provided information about the hiring process.
The district confirms that Roberts submitted an I-9 form as part of his employment verification. However, the extent of the background checks and what information was known to school officials during the 2023 superintendent search remains a key point of public inquiry. This search was conducted privately, without public disclosure of applicants or finalists.
Key Takeaways
- Superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested by ICE for alleged illegal presence in the U.S.
- Roberts had a 'final order of removal' issued in May 2024.
- Des Moines Public Schools states Roberts completed an I-9 employment eligibility form.
- A third-party firm, Baker-Eubanks, conducted a criminal background check, but it did not verify immigration status.
- District officials claim they were unaware of Roberts' order of removal.
- Roberts stated he was a U.S. citizen on his Iowa administrator license application.
- The Iowa Department of Education is reviewing DMPS hiring procedures.
The Superintendent Search Process
The Des Moines School Board initiated a closed search for its new superintendent in February 2023. Teree Caldwell-Johnson, then-Des Moines School Board Chair, announced this decision. This meant the names of applicants and finalists were not publicly released before Ian Roberts was hired in June 2023.
"The board will be walking a very fine line to balance the competitive hiring practices and job candidates' desire for privacy against the public interest and even the law," Caldwell-Johnson stated at the time.
This approach has led to continued public scrutiny regarding the transparency and thoroughness of the hiring process, especially in light of recent events.
Background Checks Conducted
The district confirmed that Roberts underwent a background check prior to his hiring. Employers, including school districts, are legally required to verify employment eligibility for all staff members.
Fact Check
Des Moines Public Schools stated: "In this case, Dr. Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation."
JG Consulting, a firm hired by the Des Moines School Board, identified Roberts as a candidate. Subsequently, a third-party company named Baker-Eubanks conducted a "comprehensive background check."
Understanding the I-9 Form
An I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form serves to confirm the identity and work authorization of individuals hired in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website outlines the process. Employees must attest to their employment authorization on the form. They must also provide acceptable documents proving both identity and work authorization.
Employers are then responsible for reviewing these documents. They must determine if the documents appear genuine and relate to the employee. The employer then records this information on the I-9 form.
Important Context
The I-9 process is a standard federal requirement for all U.S. employers to ensure their workforce is legally authorized to work in the country. It relies on the employee's attestation and the employer's visual inspection of documents.
Scope of Baker-Eubanks' Background Check
Kim Cockerham, CEO of Baker-Eubanks, clarified the services her company provides. She stated that several publicly available documents, including court records, were sent to JG Consulting along with an executive summary. However, Baker-Eubanks' criminal background check did not include verifying Roberts' immigration status or legal work authorization in the United States.
"We do not render an opinion on whether someone should be hired," Cockerham told the Des Moines Register. "We give the report as we're hired to do. We reveal any criminal records that we find."
Cockerham explicitly stated, "That's not even a service that we offer." This indicates that the comprehensive background check focused on criminal history, not immigration compliance.
District's Knowledge of Deportation Order
Des Moines Public Schools officials have asserted they were unaware of Roberts receiving a final order of removal. This order was issued by an immigration judge in May 2024, as stated in a news release from ICE.
The district's release specifically noted, "The district did not have any knowledge of this situation or the order of removal." This statement highlights a significant gap in information known to the school board prior to Roberts' detainment.
Roberts' Iowa Administrator License
Ian Roberts holds a professional administrator license in Iowa. He was licensed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners in July 2023. This license is valid until December 31, 2028, according to the board's licensure lookup system.
On his application for this license, Roberts declared under penalty of perjury that he was a U.S. citizen. This information comes from a September 27 news release by the Iowa Department of Education.
Licensing Process
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners conducts criminal history record checks with the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for first-time applicants. These checks are part of their standard process. The Department of Education confirmed that "No deviations from the established licensure process were identified."
The Board of Educational Examiners website details the background checks required for applicants. These include checks of Iowa Courts Online, the Child Abuse Registry, and the Sex Offender Registry for renewal and conversion applications. First-time applicants must also be fingerprinted for a federal background check.
Responsibility for Citizenship Verification
The Iowa Department of Education's news release clarifies that verifying a person's I-9 employment eligibility is the employer's responsibility. Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris addressed this after the board voted to place Roberts on paid leave on September 27.
"In this case, Dr. Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation," Norris stated. "Everything the district has on file indicates that Dr. Roberts affirmed that he was a citizen who was eligible to work in the school district."
This statement suggests the district relied on Roberts' affirmations and the provided documents during the hiring process.
Review of District Hiring Practices
The state Department of Education is now reviewing Des Moines Public Schools' hiring procedures. This review specifically aims to verify how the district ensures individuals are legally authorized to work in the United States. The department emphasizes the importance of adherence to the law to maintain public trust.
Department of Education Statement
"The rule of law is essential, and all educators and staff must follow the law to preserve public trust," the department's release stated. "The Iowa Department of Education is committed to upholding rigorous licensure standards and supporting local educators and families in advancing student learning."
Des Moines Public Schools officials have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the state's review. Phil Roeder, spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, affirmed their commitment to transparency.
"We're going to work with them, respond to them accordingly and we have no problem with talking with anybody at the state level about the process, our processes, and provide any documentation that we can," Roeder said.
Superintendent Roberts' Salary and Contract
Ian Roberts' contract as superintendent, approved in May 2023, specifies a base salary of $286,716. The contract is set to remain in effect through June 30, 2028.
Prior Gun Charges Addressed
District officials have stated that Roberts disclosed a previous firearm charge to the Des Moines School Board during his hiring process. This charge was reportedly related to a hunting rifle. The district indicated that Roberts provided sufficient explanation for the board to proceed with his hiring.
Public Disclosure
A district news release stated, "He provided sufficient context and explanation of the situation to move forward in the hiring process. He has also spoken publicly about this experience." This suggests the board was aware of this specific detail and deemed it resolved.
Roberts' Current Employment Status
At a special board meeting on September 27, the Des Moines School Board voted to place Superintendent Ian Roberts on paid administrative leave. This decision came shortly after his detainment by ICE, reflecting the immediate impact of the unfolding situation on his role within the district.
