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Iowa Lawmakers Grill Des Moines Schools Over Misconduct and Deportation

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 21:52 GMT by The Gazette
      Locales: Iowa, UNITED STATES

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) faced a grilling from Iowa state lawmakers on Thursday as the Senate Education Committee delved into two separate, yet deeply concerning, controversies: the 2023 resignation of former Principal Ian Roberts following allegations of misconduct, and the district's handling of a 2022 student deportation case involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The hearing highlighted growing concerns about school district oversight, student safety, and compliance with both state and federal regulations.

The committee, led by Senator Amy Sinclair (R-Greenfield), spent hours questioning DMPS Superintendent Thomas Zahradka and HR Director Carrie Swenson, pressing for details on both the vetting process used in hiring Roberts, and the procedures followed when ICE requested information about a student ultimately deported from the United States. The tone was largely critical, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for greater transparency and accountability within the district.

The Ian Roberts Case: A Failure of Due Diligence?

The initial focus of the hearing was the circumstances surrounding the hiring of Ian Roberts, who was placed on administrative leave in 2023 after allegations of inappropriate relationships with students surfaced. While Roberts ultimately resigned, lawmakers were particularly concerned about how he was initially hired, given the gravity of the allegations. Senator Sinclair voiced the committee's central question: "How did this person get hired, and what kind of background checks were done?"

Superintendent Zahradka testified that the district had initiated a review of its hiring practices and was implementing changes designed to prevent similar situations in the future. He confirmed that Roberts' initial background check had come back clean. However, this response drew further scrutiny from legislators like Senator Rob Lucas (R-Wayland), who questioned whether the district went above and beyond basic checks. The specific point of contention centered on whether DMPS contacted Roberts' previous employers to verify his credentials and gather more in-depth information about his professional history.

The implication was clear: a clean criminal background check may not be sufficient, especially when hiring individuals who will have direct and sustained contact with vulnerable children. Lawmakers suggested that a more thorough investigation, including direct communication with former colleagues and supervisors, could have potentially revealed red flags that were missed. The discussion underscored a larger debate about the balance between efficient hiring practices and comprehensive vetting procedures, particularly for positions of trust like school principals.

ICE Cooperation and Student Rights: Navigating a Legal Minefield

The second major component of the hearing addressed the district's handling of a case involving the deportation of a student by ICE in 2022. This segment of the questioning focused on Iowa state law, which mandates that schools notify parents or guardians whenever federal immigration officials request information about a student. Lawmakers argued that DMPS had not adequately informed the student's parents, potentially violating both state law and the student's rights.

Zahradka acknowledged that communication could have been improved and that the district was reviewing its procedures to ensure full compliance with the Iowa law. He reiterated the district's commitment to working with ICE and adhering to all applicable laws, while also striving to support its students and their families. However, this statement did little to appease lawmakers who expressed concern about the potential for schools to inadvertently facilitate deportations by providing information to federal authorities without proper parental notification.

The situation highlights a complex legal and ethical challenge for school districts across the country. Balancing the need to cooperate with law enforcement while protecting the rights of students and families, particularly those from immigrant communities, requires careful navigation of often-conflicting legal requirements and ethical considerations. The hearing indicated a desire among lawmakers to clarify the boundaries of acceptable cooperation with ICE and ensure that school districts prioritize student and parental rights.

Looking Ahead: Increased Oversight and Policy Changes The hearing concluded with a commitment from lawmakers to continue monitoring the situation in Des Moines and to consider legislative changes that might strengthen school district oversight and improve student safety. Several senators indicated a willingness to explore options for enhanced background check requirements, clearer guidelines regarding ICE cooperation, and increased funding for school district training on immigration-related matters. The tension between local control of school districts and state-level accountability was a recurring theme, suggesting that the conversation surrounding these issues is far from over. The Iowa Senate Education Committee's actions signal a broader trend towards increased scrutiny of school district policies and practices, particularly in areas with significant legal and ethical implications.