Photo: Ian Roberts-Polk County Jail
(Des Moines, IA) -- A re‑audit of Des Moines Public Schools has found a conflict of interest and questionable spending tied to former Superintendent Ian Roberts. The audit examined transactions from July 2023 through September 26, 2025, and was requested by Des Moines Public Schools following Roberts’ arrest.
“Ian Roberts co-authored two books with the owner of this company, he was featured on this company’s website, that's a professional conflict of interest,” said Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand.
Sand says Roberts pushed for a school district contract with the consulting firm Lively Paradox without disclosing his connection. The audit found the district paid $6,275 to the firm.
“He did not disclose these conflicts to the Des Moines school board, and tried to steer contacts, worth thousands of dollars, which he did do successfully, to this individual,” said Sand.
The review also flagged more than $2,100 in questionably spent public funds to several nonprofit organizations. Roberts reimbursed the district before being fired last September.
“In four instances, totaling $2,160, district funds were used for donations to nonprofit organizations. Such expenditures are prohibited and while these issues were identified when they occurred and corrective action was taken to prevent repeat mistakes,” said Des Moines Public Schools in a statement issued this morning.
DMPS says the district is taking steps in response to the auditor’s findings.
Roberts was taken into custody by ICE agents in September on charges he was in the country illegally. He pleaded guilty to several charges earlier this year and faces up to 20 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced in May and will remain in custody until then.