Des Moines School Superintendent Ian Roberts Placed on Unpaid Leave After Arrest

School District's Response to Superintendent's Arrest

• 📌 The Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) district is addressing the arrest and detention of Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• ⚠️ The board is taking the allegations very seriously and acknowledges this is an evolving situation with new information emerging hourly.
• 💡 DMPS was not previously notified by any federal agency or Dr. Roberts himself about his ineligibility to work.

Revocation of Superintendent's License

• 🚫 Early this morning, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked Dr. Roberts' license to practice as a superintendent in Iowa.
• 📜 This revocation means Dr. Roberts is not in compliance with his contract, leading to the board's decision.

Administrative Leave and Contract Termination

• 🗓️ The board voted to place Dr. Roberts on unpaid administrative leave effective September 29th, 2025.
• 📄 A document was received from the Department of Homeland Security confirming Dr. Roberts as an unauthorized worker, followed by a final order of removal from the US Department of Justice.
• ⚖️ The board has requested clarification from Dr. Roberts' attorney regarding citizenship matters by Tuesday at noon.
• ➡️ If no new information is provided demonstrating eligibility to work, the board will begin the process to end the contract with the superintendent.

Employment Verification and I-9 Form

• 🧑‍💼 Dr. Roberts stated he was a citizen on his I-9 form and provided a driver's license and social security card as verification.
• ✅ As an employer, DMPS trusted the employee to fill out required forms truthfully and provide valid documentation.
• 🔍 A review by the Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm indicated that the information presented on the I-9 did not raise concerns about his work eligibility.

Community and Student Impact

• 💔 The district acknowledges that this news is difficult for students and staff to process, especially given Dr. Roberts' enthusiasm and connection with students.
• 🌍 The community has students from all over the world, making this situation personal for many.
• 🗣️ The district urges an end to hateful rhetoric directed at the district and staff to minimize disruption.
• 🤝 The board and district are committed to pursuing facts, following the law, and ensuring the safety and support of all 35,000 students and staff.