Jackie Norris, chair of the Des Moines Public School Board, has pulled out of the race for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat. Her decision comes after she faced significant backlash for advocating “radical empathy” towards Ian Andre Roberts, a former superintendent. Roberts’ arrest and immigration status have sparked scrutiny and criticism of Norris’s leadership.
Roberts, who was living in the U.S. illegally, had a troubling background. He resigned from his position as superintendent in September after being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities found a gun, a hunting knife, and a sizable amount of cash in his vehicle following a brief car chase. Roberts’s criminal history dates back to his illegal re-entry into the U.S. from Guyana in 1999. He has faced various charges over the years, including multiple weapon-related offenses.
Norris indicated that the fallout from the “superintendent crisis” consumed her time and focus, which she felt was necessary for fulfilling her role as board chair. In her statement, she emphasized the need to concentrate on supporting kids, families, and the educators in her community. “Those realities took time and oxygen away from the work I set out to do,” Norris wrote.
The hiring of Roberts, noted to have misrepresented his educational background, raises serious questions about the vetting process within the board. It remains unclear if the board was aware of his illegal status at the time of his hiring. Critics, including Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson, have seized on these points, questioning Norris’s ability to oversee hiring standards and demanding her resignation.
In her exit from the Senate race, Norris stated, “It’s clear I need to focus on the work at hand.” She sees the ongoing investigations and the implementation of the Reimagining Education bond as crucial priorities. Norris maintains optimism about her contributions to the community, declaring, “I leave this race with my head high.”
The response from the Des Moines Public School Board has so far been minimal, with no immediate comment provided. This incident not only raises concerns about decisions made within the school district but also highlights the challenges elected officials face when dealing with complex legal and ethical matters. As Norris steps back to reassess, attention turns toward how this situation will unfold and what it means for the future of public education in Des Moines.
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