Des Moines school superintendent claimed to be U.S. citizen when applying for the job

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7. They relied on a third party

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2025/09/28/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-background-check-ian-roberts/86375977007/

Did Roberts undergo a background check before hiring?

Yes, the district says.

"Employers, including DMPS, are required to verify employment eligibility for all employees," the district news release stated. "In this case, Dr. Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation."

The Des Moines School Board hired JG Consulting to conduct a search for the new DMPS superintendent, the same release states.

"The firm identified Dr. Roberts as a candidate," and a third party, Baker-Eubanks, conducted a "comprehensive background check," the release said.

What is an I-9?

An I-9 employment eligibility verification is used to "verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States," according to the U.S. Citenzenship and Immigration Services website.