In brief
Ian Roberts, the Superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, has had his professional license revoked by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners following his arrest by federal agents for living and working in the U.S. illegally. Roberts, a native of Guyana, had a loaded handgun and cash in his vehicle when apprehended. The school board has placed him on unpaid leave as they investigate further with a plan to possibly terminate his employment.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A state agency revoked the professional license of the leader of Iowa’s largest school district on Monday, days after federal agents arrested him on accusations that he was living and working in the country illegally.The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners said in a letter to Des Moines public schools Superintendent Ian Roberts that he was ineligible to hold a license because 'you no longer possess legal presence in the United States.'U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Roberts on Friday, saying he was subject to a final removal order that a judge issued in May 2024. Roberts is a native of Guyana who entered the United States on a student visa in 1999, according to ICE. He’s being held at an Iowa jail.ICE stated that Roberts fled after a traffic stop in Des Moines and that he was apprehended with the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol. The agency revealed that Roberts, 54, had a loaded handgun in his district-issued vehicle, a hunting knife, and $3,000 cash when arrested.Des Moines school officials expressed that they had no prior knowledge of Roberts being in the country illegally. They noted that he had signed a form verifying that he was a citizen when he was hired in 2023 and provided a driver’s license and Social Security card for eligibility checks.The school board voted 6-0 on Monday evening to place Roberts on unpaid leave from his position with an annual salary of $286,716. His employment contract, which was extended in May through June 30, 2028, mandates that he maintain state certification to serve as superintendent.Board chair Jackie Norris commented that they received notice from the Department of Homeland Security stating that Roberts was unauthorized to work and included a copy of the removal order signed by an immigration judge. The board has allowed Roberts’ attorney until noon Tuesday to challenge these facts, or they would proceed to terminate his employment.Norris mentioned that understanding what had transpired is essential, as Roberts was well-liked within the district and significantly involved in community events during his two-year tenure. He had previously served as a superintendent in Pennsylvania before his appointment in Iowa.The board initially placed Roberts on paid leave during a special meeting Saturday but ceased his pay after a 90-minute closed session on Monday. Matt Smith, a district administrator, was appointed as interim superintendent.As the news unfolds, students have expressed concern over Roberts’ arrest, with Norris urging critics to refrain from using 'hateful rhetoric directed at our district'. ICE has requested a separate investigation into how Roberts obtained the firearm, as individuals living in the country illegally are prohibited from possessing guns. In previous instances, Roberts had been cited for related offenses.U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn has requested records from ICE, highlighting the need for clarity regarding the timeline and documentation of the enforcement actions taken.
