FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from the National School Board Coalition regarding Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent hired by the Des Moines School Board despite having an expired work authorization
Washington, DC (September 30, 2025) — The hiring of an individual for the superintendent position in the Des Moines Public Schools without proper verification of their immigration and work status highlights the need for school boards to adopt a more engaged and proactive approach to their responsibilities.
Laura Zorc, Chairman of the National School Board Coalition, stated, “This hiring process reveals a critical oversight. School boards invest significant resources in search firms, expecting due diligence to ensure candidates meet legal employment requirements. A hands-off approach by boards jeopardizes the integrity of hiring practices and can lead to serious oversights.”
Zorc emphasized that school board officials lack consistent access to training, which is why NSBC offers professional development for board members specific to those responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, hiring, firing, and holding superintendents accountable. “It is too early to tell how involved this Des Moines board was in the hiring process,” she added. However, the failure to verify Ian Roberts’ immigration status clearly demonstrates what can happen when processes are neglected instead of maintaining a trust but verify approach to the information provided.
If advising the Des Moines school board, we would recommend working with their board attorney to review their contract agreement with consultants JQ Consultants and Baker-Eubanks for potential recourse, including seeking a full refund, legal, staff time, and covering the costs of rehiring a new superintendent if the contract was breached,” Zorc noted.
Baker-Eubanks, the company hired to conduct background checks, admitted that it did not perform a basic I-9 verification. CEO Kim Cockerham stated, “We reveal any criminal records that we find.” She further defended that confirming whether someone can legally work in the United States is not a service they offer, despite being hired to do so.
This situation serves as a wake-up call for board members. In our 43-chapter book, “School Board Leadership: The Right Way,” we offer valuable insights on hiring superintendents and reviewing contracts to assist members in navigating the process.
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About NSBC
A subsidiary of Best In Ed, the National School Boards Coalition has supported, mentored, and provided professional development to school board officials since 2022. The coalition represents 981 school districts across 26 states. For more information, visit www.schoolboardscoaition.org.
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