Des Moines School District Faces Backlash Over Superintendent's Hiring Process

Sat Nov 22 2025 07:06:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A report reveals potential flaws in the hiring process of Des Moines Public Schools, where the former superintendent was accused of submitting false citizenship claims and forged academic credentials. The district seeks accountability from the consulting firm involved in his hiring.

The Des Moines Public Schools has come under scrutiny after an investigation revealed that the hiring process for their former superintendent, Ian Roberts, was compromised. Key findings include an inadequate background check and the possibility of a forged academic transcript linked to Roberts, who was indicted for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. The district is poised to hold JG Consulting, a national firm that assisted with Roberts' hiring, accountable for alleged mishandlings.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The largest school district in Iowa has released a report revealing significant concerns in the hiring process of its former superintendent, Ian Roberts. The investigation indicates that he submitted false claims of U.S. citizenship and possibly a forged academic transcript.

Des Moines Public Schools engaged JG Consulting, a national firm, to assist in Roberts' hiring, which took place in 2023. The consulting firm recommended Roberts along with four other candidates to the school board. However, an investigation by attorney Melissa Schilling found that the board depended significantly on JG Consulting to conduct a thorough background check, which apparently fell short.

Roberts, originally from Guyana, was arrested by federal authorities on September 26 and now faces charges for allegedly lying on federal paperwork regarding his citizenship status. He has since resigned and is awaiting trial scheduled for March.

The report found fault with the limited background check conducted by JG Consulting, which allegedly only examined records from the past seven years, despite federal laws that provide for extensive checks for positions over $75,000. Furthermore, there were indications that Roberts may have had prior criminal charges, including a 2012 reckless driving conviction, which were not disclosed.

Schilling’s findings indicated that while a 2022 weapons charge was noted, other significant criminal history was missed due to the constraints of the background check. These discrepancies raise questions about the thoroughness of the vetting process employed by JG Consulting.

Additionally, the inquiry revealed that Roberts had falsely claimed to possess a doctorate from Morgan State University when that degree was never awarded, and Schilling expressed confidence that the transcript he submitted was likely forged.

JG Consulting has since refuted claims of responsibility, arguing in court that the Des Moines district should bear the blame for failing to verify Robinson's immigration status and work eligibility. They maintain that as the firm did not hire Roberts, they were legally unable to confirm his immigration status.

In light of these revelations, Des Moines Public Schools are expected to pursue legal action against JG Consulting to hold them accountable for the alleged oversights during the recruitment process.