Iowa's largest school district has revised its conflict-of-interest policy after an audit revealed its former superintendent awarded district business to a consulting firm he worked for, confirming findings first reported by The Associated Press. The audit, released Tuesday, affirmed that Ian Roberts, former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, directed funds to Lively Paradox, a Kansas City-based consulting firm that marketed him as a consultant and speaker.
Background of the Case
Ian Roberts, a native of Guyana, worked for two decades as an educator and administrator in urban districts across the United States. His arrest on September 26 by federal immigration officers shocked the community and drew national attention to his history of criminal charges and falsified credentials. He pleaded guilty in federal court in January, admitting to falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen on a federal form and illegally possessing firearms.
Conflict of Interest Findings
The audit confirmed that Roberts intended to ask the school board for a contract with Lively Paradox, despite warnings from district finance officials about the conflict of interest. The district paid the firm $6,476 in consulting and travel expenses for one-off work that Roberts could approve without board authorization. The report noted that the district's chief financial officer believed Roberts would not propose using Lively Paradox again after being declined, but another finance official signed the contract while the CFO was out of the country, unaware of the conflict.
At the time, the district lacked a conflict-of-interest disclosure policy, only requiring training. Following the audit, administrators will now be required to annually disclose any actual or potential conflicts, according to Kim Martorano, chair of the Des Moines School Board.
Unauthorized Donations
The audit also revealed that Roberts used district funds for more than $2,000 in donations, including $1,200 for two tables at an Iowa Juneteenth event and $600 for eight tables at a Habitat for Humanity luncheon in June 2024. Two similar donations were made to business and chamber associations in Des Moines and Urbandale. Martorano emphasized that these expenses were prohibited and that the district would reinforce policies with additional training.
Legal Proceedings
Roberts changed his plea in January as part of an agreement with prosecutors, who agreed not to pursue additional charges and recommended some leniency. His sentence, which could reach up to 20 years in prison, will be determined by U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 29. Alfredo Parrish, one of Roberts' attorneys, stated that his client wanted to accept responsibility for his actions.
