Des Moines School Board to Sue Consulting Firm Over Superintendent's Hiring
The Des Moines Public Schools board plans legal action against a consulting firm for inadequate vetting of former Superintendent Ian Roberts, who resigned after being detained by ICE.
The Des Moines Public Schools board announced plans to sue the consulting firm responsible for vetting candidates during the 2023 superintendent search, following the resignation of Ian Roberts after his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Roberts, who served as superintendent since July 2023, was detained last week. Federal authorities stated that he is not legally in the U.S. and has lacked work authorization since 2020. He resigned earlier this week after the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked his administrator license.
Board chair Jackie Norris expressed that Roberts should not have been presented as a finalist and would not have been hired if the board had known his true status. She criticized the consulting firm for failing to uncover pertinent negative information about Roberts during the vetting process.
The consulting firm's contract included responsibilities such as advertising, recruitment, application and resume review, public domain searches, comprehensive reference checks, and presenting qualified candidates. Norris emphasized the board's pursuit of legal action to ensure accountability and protect taxpayer dollars.
Roberts, 54, entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999, which has since expired. A judge issued a final order of removal against him in May 2024. Following his detention, Roberts also faces a federal firearms charge after authorities found a loaded handgun in his vehicle and additional firearms in his residence.
The consulting firm has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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