IOWA CITY, Iowa (RTWNews) — The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners took decisive action on Monday to revoke the professional license of Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, after his recent arrest by federal agents on allegations of living and working in the United States illegally.
In a formal letter, the board stated that Roberts is ineligible to hold a license due to the lack of legal presence in the country. This decision followed his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who revealed that Roberts is subject to a final removal order issued by a judge earlier this year.
Roberts, originally from Guyana, had entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 but reportedly fled authorities after a traffic stop in Des Moines. His apprehension included possession of a loaded handgun in his district-issued vehicle, along with a hunting knife and a substantial amount of cash.
Des Moines school district officials expressed shock, stating they were unaware of Roberts' immigration status when he was hired in 2023, having signed employment forms confirming his citizenship. Following a vote, the school board placed Roberts on unpaid leave, with concerns over his ability to fulfill his role as superintendent given that he requires a state certification.
The district serves over 30,000 students, and Roberts had been known for his community involvement and advocacy for students, making this incident even more concerning for parents and staff. Meanwhile, board chair Jackie Norris mentioned they had received communications from the Department of Homeland Security regarding Roberts' employment eligibility, and outlined that further action would depend on his attorney's responses.
Roberts' attorney, Alfredo Parrish, has yet to provide comments on the matter. The Iowa Department of Education also indicated it would investigate the district's hiring practices as scrutiny intensifies. The arrest has sparked discussion among local officials, including U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, who is seeking clarity on the documentation surrounding Roberts' case.
With the community concerned about the next steps, interim superintendent Matt Smith has been appointed as the district navigates these turbulent waters.
In a formal letter, the board stated that Roberts is ineligible to hold a license due to the lack of legal presence in the country. This decision followed his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who revealed that Roberts is subject to a final removal order issued by a judge earlier this year.
Roberts, originally from Guyana, had entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 but reportedly fled authorities after a traffic stop in Des Moines. His apprehension included possession of a loaded handgun in his district-issued vehicle, along with a hunting knife and a substantial amount of cash.
Des Moines school district officials expressed shock, stating they were unaware of Roberts' immigration status when he was hired in 2023, having signed employment forms confirming his citizenship. Following a vote, the school board placed Roberts on unpaid leave, with concerns over his ability to fulfill his role as superintendent given that he requires a state certification.
The district serves over 30,000 students, and Roberts had been known for his community involvement and advocacy for students, making this incident even more concerning for parents and staff. Meanwhile, board chair Jackie Norris mentioned they had received communications from the Department of Homeland Security regarding Roberts' employment eligibility, and outlined that further action would depend on his attorney's responses.
Roberts' attorney, Alfredo Parrish, has yet to provide comments on the matter. The Iowa Department of Education also indicated it would investigate the district's hiring practices as scrutiny intensifies. The arrest has sparked discussion among local officials, including U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, who is seeking clarity on the documentation surrounding Roberts' case.
With the community concerned about the next steps, interim superintendent Matt Smith has been appointed as the district navigates these turbulent waters.
