DES MOINES, Iowa — It has almost been a month since the arrest of former Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts. The events following would bring Roberts’ resignation, a couple of federal charges, and a greater focus on the upcoming November local elections.

City and school elections traditionally are low turnout because of a lack of federal elections to decide. After Roberts was arrested, leaders at the district got to work to hold learning sessions about the $265 million bond referendum; and candidates who were in the race before Roberts’ arrest got to work on messaging what change they would bring.

The 2023 Des Moines School Board had four members who were in the elected position when Roberts was hired that are currently still serving. One of them is up for reelection on November 4, another’s term lasts until 2027, and two incumbents are not seeking reelection.

That is Maria Alonzo, who holds one of the at-large positions on the board currently. She is seeking another opportunity from district voters and parents, after telling WHO 13 News that she knows now the background check in the superintendent search needed to be more robust.

Newcomers Marcus Coenen, Sara Hopkins are DMPS parents and they are also seeking the bid for the at-large. Two of those candidates will fill both at-large seats that are available.

District 2’s seat is open. The current member Jenna Knox is not seeking reelection which opens the door for another newcomer Ryan P. Howell, who is running unopposed.

Skylar Mayberry-Mayes is running for election for the first time in District 4, although he is an incumbent. He filled the sat of late Teree Caldwell-Johnson who passed away in 2024.

Jackie Norris is not seeking reelection, she was on the board back in 2023 when Roberts was hired, just like Knox. Kimberly Martorano is serving her term through 2027, she was also on the board in 2023.

Patrick Dix and Anna Campos were elected in the fall of 2023, after Roberts was hired. Their terms both go until 2027.

In all, four seats are up for grabs with five candidates vying for those roles, which is a majority of the board on November 4.