Iowa School District Faces Backlash After Superintendent's Indictment

Sat Nov 22 2025 02:10:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A top administrator in Iowa is facing serious legal troubles after being accused of misrepresenting his citizenship status during hiring. Here's what you need to know about the case.

Des Moines Public Schools is under scrutiny after releasing a report detailing a limited background check for former superintendent Ian Roberts. Hired in 2023, Roberts has been indicted for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. The school district is now citing the findings as part of ongoing legal action against the consulting firm that recommended him. Roberts is currently in federal custody awaiting trial.

Des Moines, Iowa - The Des Moines Public Schools district is facing significant scrutiny after a report revealed they received incomplete background checks for their recently hired superintendent, Ian Roberts. Roberts currently is under a federal indictment for falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen during the hiring process.

The district relied on a consulting firm, JG Consulting, to vet Roberts and other candidates. However, investigations found that the checks conducted were insufficient and possibly even fraudulent regarding Roberts' academic qualifications.

Roberts, who was arrested by federal agents in September, had allegedly used a forged transcript to apply for the superintendent position. Authorities suggest that the consulting firm may have acted carelessly in their duty to verify candidates' credentials.

This situation has sparked further legal battles, as the district prepares to hold the consulting firm accountable for its role in the hiring process. Roberts is in federal custody and is awaiting trial, with potential consequences that could affect the future of the Des Moines school district.