General Discussion

Des Moines School Board claims it was deceived by Ian Roberts. What to know

DES MOINES, Iowa — Members of the Des Moines School Board have faced flak in the wake of controversies stemming from former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts.

On Oct. 1, the Associated Press reported that Roberts had not completed one of the doctoral degrees he provided on his initial resume to JG Consulting, which DMPS hired to search for superintendent candidates. JG Consulting flagged the error, and the resume was revised to note that Roberts completed all but his doctoral dissertation, which is required to earn such a degree.

DMPS said the board was aware that Roberts did not complete the doctorate from Morgan State when it hired him.

"The Des Moines School Board is also a victim of deception by Dr. Roberts, one on a growing list that includes our students and teachers, our parents and community, our elected officials and Iowa's Board of Educational Examiners, and others," board chair Jackie Norris said in a statement following news of Roberts' false doctoral claim.