Dr. Ian Roberts, the recently appointed Superintendent of Des Moines Schools, has found himself at the center of a troubling controversy. This scandal reached a new climax when Roberts was taken into custody by ICE after apparently fleeing from agents. Roberts, who earns a starting salary of $270,000, was hired in 2023, a substantial figure in a state where many teachers earn less than $50,000 annually.
The situation is particularly concerning given Roberts’ background. He entered the United States legally but overstayed his visa. By May 2024, he had received a final deportation order but continued to oversee the Des Moines Public School District without interruption. This raises serious questions about the oversight by the school board that hired him. This board, despite knowing about a prior weapons charge against Roberts from 2020, still voted to appoint him. As one observer notes, “they prioritized political connections and appearances over community safety and integrity.”
The financial implications are staggering. In addition to his high base salary, Roberts was set to receive significant taxpayer-funded perks, including a payment to a “tax-sheltered annuity” amounting to 14% of his annual pay, translating to nearly $38,000 each year. With a monthly car allowance of $600 and reimbursements for in-district travel, his overall compensation package exceeded $300,000 annually.
The school board defended its choice, citing Roberts’ academic qualifications. He claimed to hold a Doctorate in Urban Education Leadership from St. John’s University, yet it appears this degree may not exist. The official website of St. John’s does not list such a program, leading to suspicions that Roberts misrepresented his credentials during the selection process for one of Iowa’s most powerful educational positions.
Jackie Norris, the Board Chair who played a pivotal role in Roberts’ appointment, possesses a notable political background. Once Chief of Staff to Michelle Obama, Norris has held various influential roles, including CEO of Goodwill of Central Iowa. Her connections appear to have aided Roberts in securing the superintendent position, despite the red flags that surrounded his candidacy.
This situation goes beyond a mere hiring error; it reveals the dangerous level of political favoritism that can compromise the education system. As public trust in institutions dwindles, the decision to place someone with Roberts’ legal status and criminal record in charge of schools raises alarms over governance and community accountability. As these events unfold, the community rightfully questions the implications for the safety of their children and the stewardship of taxpayer resources.
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