When Des Moines Public Schools hired Ian Roberts as their new superintendent, they thought they had found the perfect leader to tackle the challenges of urban education. But behind the scenes, a web of deceit was unfolding.
Roberts’ impressive resume boasted degrees from top universities and a compelling life story that seemed tailor-made for his role. As an immigrant who competed in the Olympics, he spoke candidly about being a Black man in America. His application was riddled with charm and charisma, making him the ideal candidate to galvanize the school district.
However, as investigations revealed, Roberts had some skeletons in his closet. A past brush with law enforcement and a misstatement on his résumé raised eyebrows among Des Moines officials. Two outside companies were also brought in to vet him, but he claimed to be a US citizen when he shouldn’t have been.
It’s a stark reminder that even the most polished candidates can hide dark secrets. Will the district uncover more deceit before it’s too late? Only time will tell if Roberts’ tenure as superintendent will be marked by scandal or success.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/us/des-moines-iowa-superintendent-ian-roberts-immigration-ice.html