DES MOINES, Iowa (PulseWire) — After just three months in office, Des Moines superintendent Ian Roberts faced significant scrutiny when he requested emergency approval for $116,000 in training contracts. He claimed these contracts were essential for culturally responsive coaching.
However, a review by district officials revealed that the proposed contractor, Lively Paradox, had historical ties to Roberts, presenting a potential conflict of interest. The procurement manager informed Roberts that endorsing this company could violate ethical guidelines, resulting in him canceling a special board meeting intended for the contract's approval.
Since his detention by immigration agents last month, the community has wondered how Roberts became a superintendent despite allegedly working without authorization, having a history of criminal charges, and possibly presenting falsified credentials.
As Roberts’s reputation grew, so did his collaboration with Lively Paradox. Numerous school districts where Roberts previously served awarded contracts to the company, creating a troubling overlap between his private ventures and public office. Records indicate that these contracts often aligned with the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
After an investigation, it was revealed that although Roberts had proposed hiring Lively Paradox before, his recommendation was blocked due to potential impropriety. Nonetheless, the district had previously engaged Lively Paradox for a much smaller amount for team-building efforts, which was authorized without board oversight, further complicating the matter.
Roberts previously indicated that his work with Lively Paradox contributed positively to educational reforms. However, the growing concerns of his ethical judgment and the implications of his outside engagements have led to calls for a comprehensive review of his contracts and expenditures.
This incident raises broader concerns within the education community about conflicts of interest and the integrity of administrative hiring practices.
