DES MOINES, Iowa — It has been two days since Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts was arrested by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

DMPS School Board President Jackie Norris outlined on Today in Iowa Sunday the district’s background check process and next steps for the district. The board appointed Matt Smith to serve as interim superintendent; and on Saturday the board moved to place Roberts on administrative leave.

Roberts is being held at the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center, where he faces immigration and weapons charges. ICE officials said on Friday that in May of 2024 there was a final order of removal ordered by an immigration judge for Roberts. He came to the United States off a student visa in 1999 according to ICE.

Roberts was hired by the district in May of 2023, with Norris stating the district had no idea immigration or citizenship was of issue. Roberts signed paperwork affirming he was a U.S. citizen. She also said that the district was not aware of the final removal order, which took place a year after Roberts was hired.

“We welcome 30,000 students from all across the country and it’s really important to understand that citizenship is a very complex issue. There’s a lot of forms required, and two things can be true as you navigate through the citizenship process and discuss what it means to be a citizen, somebody can also be a good human being,” said Jackie Norris

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners conducted another background check when Roberts applied for his Iowa license, nothing came up in that process in July of 2023.

“The district never received information from any entity and that’s concerning,” said Norris. “We are taking that very seriously, but we did not receive that information. Dr. Roberts has an attorney that is working with him to gather additional facts because we don’t have any facts at this point. So that is what we are seeking.”

Norris added that she is frustrated with the narrative of Des Moines Public Schools having knowledge of Roberts’ immigration status. She said that the district is working on how to communicate with students and what resources will be offered for students and staff once the school week starts up on Monday.

Norris was asked about the confidence people should have in the board’s ability to find a permanent replacement for Dr. Roberts, when and if that’s needed.

“Right now we have such confidence in Matt Smith. He has been in this role before. And the most important thing we need to do is continue the business that we do every day and we do it well,” said Norris. “I am a little tired of people picking on Des Moines Public Schools. Our literacy scores are going up, we are headed in the right direction. And so what people can do right now is love our students and support our teachers.”

The full interview with DMPS President Jackie Norris is available in the video above.