DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools on Wednesday released information regarding former Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts’ resume.

Late last week, Roberts’ was detained by ICE for allegedly overstaying a student visa and not following a final removal order from an immigration judge back in May of 2024. Authorities also accuse Roberts of trying to flee from officers as well as having a loaded gun, a fixed-blade knife, and $3,000 in cash inside the DMPS vehicle he was allegedly driving before he was taken into custody.

Roberts touted an over 20-year career in education as well as extensive degrees, but since his detainment and recent resignation from the superintendent position, his background has been called into question.

In a press release sent Wednesday evening, the district specifically addressed questions surrounding Roberts’ reported doctoral degree in what it described as an attempt to provide more clarity.

According to the district, Roberts claimed in an initial resume submitted to JG Consulting, a consulting firm the district used for the superintendent search, that he had earned a doctorate degree from Morgan State University. However, the district says that during Roberts’ background check that degree information was flagged and the resume was later revised to say “all but dissertation.”

The district goes on to say that the revised resume is what board members had when they interviewed Roberts and the other finalists for the position, and that they knew Roberts had not graduated from Morgan State University when he was hired.

The district said that a FOIA request was made for documents related to Roberts hiring, after he was named superintendent. According to the district, the documents they received from JG Consulting included the original resume, not the revised one.

“I want to be clear. In a world of misinformation and disinformation, speculation becomes narrative and blame is rampant,” School Board President Jackie Norris said in a statement. “The Des Moines School Board is also a victim of deception by Dr. Roberts, one on a growing list that includes our students and teachers, our parents and community, our elected officials and Iowa’s Board of Educational Examiners, and others. We are committed to the community we serve and will find ways to improve our entire process as we move forward.”

Officials with Morgan State University confirmed to WHO 13 earlier this week that Roberts did attend the university and pursued a Doctor of Education in Urban Educational Leadership from 2002 to 2007, but he did not receive a degree.

As previously reported, WHO 13 has been able to verify parts of Roberts’ background but has not been able to confirm where, or if, he earned a doctorate degree. Roberts’ LinkedIn profile, as well as a DMPS press release announcing his appointment to superintendent, and his attorney, have all stated that he earned a doctorate degree from Trident University International. Officials with the online program declined to confirm this information due to their policy of requiring client consent for the release of the information.