Des Moines Superintendent Under Fire for Conflict of Interest

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:43:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ian Roberts faces scrutiny after a contract controversy links him to a consulting firm. The Des Moines school district is now questioning his hiring practices and educational credentials.

Ian Roberts, the newly appointed superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, is under investigation after trying to secure a $116,000 contract with a firm that has personal ties to him. As the district navigates concerns about potential conflicts of interest and Roberts' past credentials, the public is left wondering about the integrity of school leadership. Amid his tenure, Roberts has also faced immigration issues and has had a history of legal troubles, raising further questions about his qualifications and authority in U.S. education.

Three months into his role as the head of Des Moines public schools, Ian Roberts attempted to secure $116,000 in emergency contracts for training programs. Soon, it was discovered that one of these contracts was linked to a company, Lively Paradox, that has been promoting Roberts himself, raising serious conflict of interest concerns.

Following advice from finance officials, Roberts canceled a special board meeting he requested amidst revelations about his contract actions and personal ties to the consultancy. This incident has amplified scrutiny on Roberts' credentials, as he has recently come under fire for allegedly lacking legal work authorization and having past criminal charges.

The connection between Roberts and Lively Paradox, run by Nicole Price, has raised eyebrows due to extensive previous contracts awarded to Price during Roberts’ leadership in various districts. Even after a ban on the $116,000 contract, the Des Moines district paid Lively Paradox for a team-building exercise, further complicating the narrative surrounding Roberts' integrity.

As the school district grapples with the fallout from these revelations, Roberts continues to defend his work, stating his mission is to transform education. The public remains concerned about how such leadership issues affect the educational landscape in their community.