DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa’s largest school district released a report detailing serious shortcomings in the hiring practices of their former superintendent Ian Roberts, who has been indicted for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship.
Roberts was hired by Des Moines Public Schools in 2023 through JG Consulting, a national firm that has come under scrutiny for its role in the vetting process. The report, conducted by attorney Melissa Schilling, revealed that the district received an abbreviated background check which only covered the previous seven years, failing to meet federal requirements for positions with salaries exceeding $75,000.
The report outlines that although Roberts provided a driver’s license and Social Security card to support his claim of U.S. citizenship, he is originally from Guyana. He was arrested by federal authorities on September 26 and is awaiting trial, currently scheduled for March.
JG Consulting, which was paid $35,000 to assist in the superintendent search, is now facing legal action from the district. It argues that Des Moines Public Schools bore the responsibility for verifying Roberts' immigration status as his employer.
Further investigations revealed that Roberts had claims of a doctorate from Morgan State University that appear to be false. Although he asserted he completed the program in urban educational leadership, the university confirmed he never obtained the degree.
The findings have intensified discussions surrounding the hiring practices and the accountability of consulting firms in the recruitment process at public schools.
