Dr. Ian Roberts Appointed as New Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools

Des Moines Public School Board made the decision on Tuesday to appoint Dr. Ian Roberts as the new superintendent of the district. Dr. Roberts, currently serving as the superintendent of Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his commitment to listening, learning, and leading with input from the school community. He aims to enhance opportunities for all students by employing empathy, cultural competency, and continuous improvement to guide the district’s path forward.

Experience, Academic Excellence, and Passion

With a wealth of experience in education, Dr. Roberts has held leadership positions in various schools across the country, including Washington D.C., Baltimore, and St. Louis. The DMPS Board Chair, Teree Caldwell-Johnson, highlighted Dr. Roberts’ educational experience, academic excellence, and his passion for innovation and inspiration as key factors in his selection. She expressed confidence in his ability to create equitable experiences for students to thrive and his dedication to fostering continuous improvement, which presents an exciting opportunity for students, staff, and the community.

Resignation of Former Superintendent

The former superintendent, Dr. Thomas Ahart, announced his resignation in February 2022, describing his tenure at DMPS as the honor of his professional life. Dr. Ahart expressed his gratitude to the exceptional educators, support staff, administrators, students, and families who have contributed to making the district one of the best in the country.

The Superintendent Search Process

During the past school year, Matt Smith served as the interim superintendent while the search for a permanent replacement was underway. The candidates for the position were not publicly disclosed, but the school board enlisted the services of JG Consulting to manage the search process effectively.

Dr. Lisa Remy, the Executive Director of School Administrators of Iowa, explained that superintendents currently employed in other districts tend to prefer closed searches to protect their existing positions if they are not selected for the new role.

Des Moines Public Schools is the largest school district in Iowa, serving over 30,000 students and employing 5,000 individuals. Dr. Ahart’s contract will continue until June 30, one year after his resignation. During the 2022-23 school year, he will receive his base salary, car and cell phone allowance, as well as contributions to his tax-sheltered annuity and Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System. Additionally, he will remain covered by the district’s health, life, and long-term disability insurance policies until the end of June.