Overview
Des Moines Public Schools has filed a lawsuit against JG Consulting, the Texas-based firm hired to lead the district’s recent superintendent search. The district alleges breach of contract and negligence, arguing that the firm failed to disclose information and conduct thorough vetting of candidates, including Ian Roberts, who was arrested last week by immigration authorities and later charged in federal court.
What the lawsuit alleges
The district’s complaint centers on the 2022 contract with JG Consulting, which tasked the firm with advertising, recruitment, resume review, background checks, and the presentation of qualified candidates. Des Moines argues the firm did not meet its duties and that Roberts should never have been presented as a finalist. District officials say the alleged failure caused reputational damage and wasted taxpayer dollars, and they are seeking accountability and recovery of costs tied to the search process.
The contract and duties at issue
According to the district, the contract obligated JG Consulting to bring to the board’s attention all relevant information—positive and negative—about candidates. The district asserts that the firm identified concerns during the vetting process but did not disclose them, leaving the board with an incomplete view of the candidate pool. Des Moines serves about 30,000 students and employs roughly 5,000 staff, making the integrity of leadership searches particularly consequential for the community.
Ian Roberts’ background and the district’s findings
Roberts, who had two decades in education, used a doctorate title on a resume before earning the doctoral degree from Trident University International in 2021. Public records reviewed by The Associated Press show he falsely claimed a doctorate in urban educational leadership from Morgan State University in 2007; Morgan State confirmed he did not receive that degree. A district background check had flagged the discrepancy, noting the initial variance and later a revised resume indicating the dissertation had not been completed. The board reportedly saw the revised resume, but district officials say the background check alert should have been fully considered before any finalist was presented to the board.
Roberts’ immigration status and admitted issues
Federal authorities say Roberts was in the United States illegally and had no work authorization. He was arrested after a traffic stop and faces charges related to firearm possession while in the country illegally. Earlier, he faced a 2020 Pennsylvania minor firearms infraction, for which he pleaded guilty; he has contended the incident occurred during a hunting-related interaction and that he pleaded guilty to avoid distractions. U.S. authorities say Roberts also had a final removal order issued last year, and an immigration judge denied a motion to reopen the case this April. Roberts’ attorney and the district have described his immigration situation as a complex matter that preceded his tenure as superintendent.
Community and district response
The district has described itself as a “victim of deception” during Roberts’ tenure and said the situation has unsettled students and families. Students have staged walkouts, and community members have gathered to discuss the case with Roberts’ lawyers. Roberts resigned as superintendent after the state education board revoked his license, and he remains in federal custody as the legal process continues. The district emphasizes that its lawsuit is focused on accountability for the vetting process and on protecting taxpayers’ interests.
Implications for governance and procurement
Beyond the specifics of this case, the lawsuit underscores the stakes of third-party vetting in school leadership searches. When a district relies on an external firm for screening, it must ensure comprehensive disclosure of all material information and decisive communication to the governing board. The Des Moines case could prompt revisions to procurement practices and greater scrutiny of background checks and credential verification in future searches.
Next steps
The case moves forward through the courts, with JG Consulting expected to respond and the district seeking damages tied to the contract and alleged negligence. The ruling could influence how school districts structure search contracts, how candidates’ credentials are verified, and how information is conveyed to school boards during high-stakes hiring processes.
