The Des Moines School Board has accepted the resignation of Superintendent Ian Roberts following significant legal and political developments. On September 26, Robert was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for working illegally, which led to his removal from the district’s official list. This action prompted the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners to revoke his administrative license on September 28, placing him on unpaid leave for the following day. The board, representing over 30,000 students, finalized his resignation during a special meeting on September 30, which took place before discussing whether to terminate his employment contract. Jackie Norris, chair of the board, emphasized that Roberts cannot work in the U.S. or serve as superintendent in Iowa due to his immigration status, stating he is now fully ineligible. However, the board also acknowledged the difficulty of his decision, noting that the district operates under complex hiring and background checks. His attorney, Alfredo Parrish, delivered a letter of resignation, emphasizing that the board would prioritize student education over concerns about his legal status. Meanwhile, officials revealed that Roberts, a Guyanese native, was arrested for illegal immigration, citing a previously unreported removal order issued in May 2024. The situation, which highlighted the district's global attention, has sparked calls for his release. A Sept. 30 news update mentions an investigation into Title VII violations, while questions remain about his academic qualifications. The district is also facing scrutiny regarding its hiring practices and background checks.
