DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools announced on Thursday that it is considering taking legal action against former Superintendent Ian Roberts.

In a press release, the district said it will discuss the potential legal actions that can be taken against Roberts following recent developments regarding his legal status and qualifications during a special session on Friday morning. The special session will be held in closed session at 8 a.m. at the district offices.

The district released the following statement about the special session:

Des Moines Public Schools is facing a different reality than we were last Friday. As a learning institution, we will use this opportunity to both review the most recent superintendent hiring process as well as holding those accountable who contributed to this current situation.

From misrepresenting his citizenship status to degrees that did not exist, Ian Roberts appears to have misled people about who he was not only here in Des Moines, but a trail that extends from Pennsylvania and across the country. Between legal action and a thorough internal review, we pledge to find the truth so this can never happen again.

-DMPS Board Chair Jackie Norris

On Thursday, the Department of Justice released more details regarding Roberts’ legal status, saying he applied for permanent residence for several years and was denied each time before eventually receiving a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024. The DOJ also said that Roberts’ work authorization had expired in December 2020.

DMPS isn’t the only district considering legal action against Roberts. Millcreek Township School District in Erie, Pennsylvania, where Roberts served as superintendent from 2020-2023, announced on Wednesday that it had advised their lawyers to investigate whether they were able to take legal action against Roberts and the firm that conducted the search to fill the position.