Superintendent Ian Roberts placed on unpaid leave after license revocation
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Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts at McKee Education Center's first day of preschool earlier this month. Photo: Courtesy of DSM Public Schools
Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was placed on unpaid leave on Monday night after the state of Iowa revoked his teaching license.
Why it matters: The revocation — just two days after the district initially gave him paid leave — effectively ends Roberts' ability to lead Iowa's largest school district, leaving DMPS without its top administrator in the middle of the school year.
Catch up quick: Roberts, a Guyana native, worked in U.S. education for over 20 years and became DMPS superintendent in July 2023.
- He entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 and was given a final removal order by an immigration judge in May 2024, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- ICE detained Roberts on Friday; a press release states he escaped agents and was found with a loaded handgun, which went viral and attracted national headlines, though few details were initially released.
- On Saturday, the DMPS board put him on paid leave during a special meeting.
State of play: Roberts noted that he was a U.S. citizen on his administrator licensure application, according to an Iowa Department of Education news release issued on Saturday.
Yes, but: By Sunday, the Iowa Department of Educational Examiners informed Roberts that he no longer had "legal presence" to hold an administrator license.
- On Monday, the board reversed course and moved him to unpaid leave.
- Associate Superintendent Matt Smith has been appointed as interim leader.
Context: The school board has requested that the state provide documentation it used as the basis for revoking Roberts' license, school board member Jenna Knox said after the board returned from a nearly two-hour closed session.
- The board accepts the state's decision as fact and the revocation triggers unpaid leave, she said.
What they're saying: U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Ankeny) submitted a records request to ICE on Saturday, noting he seeks transparency in Roberts' case.
- School board chairperson Jackie Norris said during Monday's meeting that two things can be true — that Roberts was an effective leader. Still, there are "serious questions" about his citizenship and his ability to perform his duties as superintendent.
- Norris asked people not to spread misinformation about the situation. "We would appreciate it if the hateful rhetoric directed at our district and staff please stop so we can ensure as minimal disruption as possible."
What's next: Roberts' legal team was asked by DMPS to provide proof that he is eligible to work by noon on Tuesday, Norris said in a statement Monday night.
- The board will proceed in terminating his contract if the information is not received, she said.