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Des Moines School Board votes to appoint Dr. Ian Roberts as new superintendent

Dr. Thomas Ahart left DMPS in 2022, with Matt Smith serving as interim superintendent this school year.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Public School Board voted Tuesday to appoint Dr. Ian Roberts as the district's new superintendent.

“I want to thank the Board for this opportunity, and I look forward to listening, learning and leading with input from my school community to increase opportunities for all students using empathy, cultural competency and continuous improvement to chart our path," Roberts said in a statement. 

Roberts currently serves as superintendent of Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania. A lifelong educator, Roberts has experience leading schools across the country, including Washington D.C., Baltimore and St. Louis. 

“When considering candidates, the Board was looking for educational experience, academic excellence and a passion for innovation and inspiration, and we found those qualities and more in Dr. Roberts,” said Des Moines Public Schools Board Chair Teree Caldwell-Johnson in a statement. “Dr. Roberts’ focus on creating equitable experiences for students to thrive, paired with his commitment to continuous improvement, creates an exciting opportunity for our students, staff and community.”

The district's former superintendent, Dr. Thomas Ahart, announced in February 2022 that he would resign.

"Leading Des Moines Public Schools has been the honor of my professional life, however, I am ready to begin a new chapter," Ahart said in a statement at the time. "I will be forever grateful to the excellent educators, support staff, administrators, students and families who have made this district one of the best in the country."

This past school year, Matt Smith has served as interim superintendent.

DMPS did not publicly announce candidates for the position, though they contracted with JG Consulting "to support the school board in the coordination and management of the search process."

"Superintendents who are in positions in other districts are drawn to closed searches, more so because they're less likely then to endanger their current jobs, if they aren't afforded that opportunity that they're applying for," said Dr. Lisa Remy, executive director of School Administrators of Iowa.

DMPS is Iowa's largest school district, with more than 30,000 students 5,000 employees.

Ahart's contract runs through June 30, a year after he stepped down.

For the 2022-23 school year, he will still receive his base salary ($306,193), his car and cell phone allowance ($7,200) and the district's annual contributions to his tax-sheltered annuity and Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System ($84,019).

Ahart will also remain on the district's health, life and long-term disability insurance policies through the end of June.

Monday night's meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

VIDEO ARCHVE: Past DMPS Board Meetings

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