Iowa School District Faces Backlash Over Hiring of Superintendent With Questionable Past

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A recent investigation has revealed that the Des Moines Public Schools district in Iowa relied on a national consulting firm, JG Consulting, to vet its former superintendent, Ian Roberts, who was arrested by ICE for allegedly claiming to be a U.S. citizen. The district hired Roberts in 2023 with the help of the consulting firm, which had initially recommended him along with four other candidates. According to the report by investigator Melissa Schilling, the district reasonably relied on JG Consulting to vet Roberts, despite the firm's claims that they were a registered agent with the government's employment eligibility system, E-Verify. However, it is unclear whether the firm used E-Verify at the time. The background check provided by JG Consulting's subcontracted third-party company, Baker-Eubanks, only looked at records for the past seven years, despite federal law allowing more extensive disclosure for positions paid more than $75,000. The report also found that the background check did not disclose a 2012 conviction for reckless driving in Maryland, which would have been revealed if it had looked beyond seven years. Roberts had claimed to be a U.S. citizen on his work eligibility form, providing a driver's license and Social Security card as supporting documentation. However, federal authorities have since provided a list of criminal charges in Roberts' record, including drug possession and intent to sell in 1996 in New York. The district paid JG Consulting $35,000 for facilitating the superintendent search. The consulting firm disputes that it was their responsibility to verify Roberts' immigration status and work authorization, citing a court filing that states the district had the legal duty to do so. JG Consulting also claims that the district was aware of Roberts' criminal issues and resume problems, but still decided to hire him. The district is likely to cite the report in their ongoing lawsuit against the consulting company. Roberts resigned his position and is awaiting trial, which is currently scheduled for March. The incident has raised questions about the hiring process and the reliance on consulting firms to vet candidates.