In brief
Iowa's largest school district, Des Moines Public Schools, reported receiving an abbreviated background check and likely forged transcript while hiring Ian Roberts as superintendent. A federal grand jury indicted Roberts, who falsely claimed U.S. citizenship. The report suggests the district relied heavily on the consulting firm JG Consulting, which recommended Roberts, to vet potential candidates. The district is now suing the firm, which defends its actions, asserting the responsibility lies with the district for verifying Roberts’ eligibility.
DES MOINES, Iowa—The Des Moines Public Schools district has come under fire after a report revealed serious flaws in the hiring process of its former superintendent, Ian Roberts, who was recently indicted for falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen.
In 2023, Roberts was hired through JG Consulting, a national firm that recommended him and four other candidates to the school board. The report indicated that the district received an abbreviated background check and potentially forged educational transcripts during the hiring process.
“The school board failed to perform due diligence,” said attorney Melissa Schilling, who conducted the investigation. She noted that the limited background check only examined records for the past seven years, which contradicts federal law that allows for more extensive disclosures for positions paying over $75,000.
Roberts, originally from Guyana, was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested on September 26, 2023. The court has scheduled his trial for March 2024. Upon his arrest, it was discovered that he had claimed U.S. citizenship to receive employment, supported by questionable documentation including a driver's license and Social Security card.
Along with the residence verification issues, the report also highlighted that Roberts allegedly forged his academic transcript, falsely claiming to have obtained a doctorate from Morgan State University. However, it was confirmed that he never completed the necessary requirements for that degree.
In light of these developments, Des Moines Public Schools intends to use findings from this report in its lawsuit against JG Consulting, arguing that the firm inadequately vetted Roberts before his hire. Meanwhile, JG Consulting has contested these claims, stating that it was the school district's responsibility to ensure Roberts' immigration status and work authorization.
This situation raises serious concerns about hiring protocols in educational settings, as the district paid $35,000 to JG Consulting for their services.
As the case unfolds, it emphasizes the vital importance of thorough vetting procedures in the hiring of educational leaders, especially regarding immigration status and verified credentials.
