By William Morris, Des Moines Register
Des Moines schools Superintendent Ian Roberts is resigning as he battles a federal case for his deportation, his attorneys have announced.
They said in a Tuesday, Sept. 30, news conference that Roberts, 54, already suspended without pay, would be leaving his post.
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Roberts, a native of Guyana, on Friday in connection with a previously unreported final order of removal an immigration judge issued May 29, 2024.
Roberts’ lead attorney, Alfredo Parrish, said in the news conference at his Des Moines offices that his team had been speaking with Roberts all morning on what he called a “very complex case.”
“He understands that he has the community’s support and it really gives him inspiration,” Parrish said. “His spirits are high.”
Parrish said a resignation letter from Roberts would be sent to the Des Moines School Board later Tuesday. The school board is expected to meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Central Campus, 1800 Grand Ave. in Des Moines, to discuss whether to terminate Roberts’ employment contract.
“Dr. Roberts has authorized me to send this letter announcing his immediate resignation from his position as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools,” said the letter, signed by Parrish. “Out of concern for his 30,000 students, Dr. Roberts does not want to distract the Board, educators, and staff from focusing on educating DMPS’s students.”
Parrish said Roberts’ lawyers also have filed a motion to re-open his immigration case.
It’s unclear whether Parrish’s announcement will change the school board’s agenda.
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