DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools announced Tuesday afternoon that it’s formally requested an audit from the Iowa Auditor’s Office.

The request comes after State Auditor Rob Sand held a press conference addressing a letter from state lawmakers calling on Sand’s office to conduct an audit of the district’s finances in response to the arrest of former Superintendent Ian Roberts. During the press conference Sand said that his office couldn’t conduct an audit until either the district requested it or a petition from the public was received.

In a statement, the district said in part:

“Interim Superintendent Matt Smith and the DMPS School Board are fully committed to cooperating with government entities to the fullest extent of the law and have formally requested an audit from the Iowa Auditor’s Office. While this will add additional financial and personnel costs to the district, it will confirm the strength of the district’s current processes and procedures while underscoring the high level of financial visibility and accountability that guides DMPS.”

The district also said that it’s earned the Certificate of Excellence in financial reporting from the Association of School Business Officials and the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 2007.

Auditor Sand confirmed that his office has received the official request from the district.