Des Moines School Superintendent Resigns After ICE Arrest and License Revocation

Superintendent's Resignation

• 🎯 Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has resigned following his detention by ICE agents.
• ⚠️ The resignation comes after revelations that Roberts did not hold a valid Iowa license and lacked authorization to work in the United States.

Review of Credentials

• 🔍 DMPS reviewed Dr. Roberts' I9 form, where he claimed US citizenship and provided a driver's license and social security card.
• ✅ Denton Davis Brown determined the submitted information was consistent with his claim of US citizenship at the time of hiring.

Government Agency Actions

• 🚫 The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked Dr. Roberts' license, making him ineligible to serve as a superintendent in Iowa.
• 🚨 The Department of Homeland Security informed DMPS that Roberts is not eligible to work in the United States.

Just Cause for Termination

• ⚖️ These actions by government agencies provided just cause for termination of Dr. Roberts' contract with the school district.
• ❓ Dr. Roberts, through his attorney, did not provide requested information to substantiate his claims regarding citizenship.

Board Decision and Next Steps

• ✅ The Des Moines school board voted 7-0 to accept the resignation of Dr. Roberts, effective immediately.
• 🗣️ Questions regarding his immigration status and eligibility to work are to be directed to his attorney or the Department of Homeland Security.
• 🤝 DMPS will cooperate with authorities and begin the process of moving forward.