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Judge: DMPS superintendent improperly kept kids out of school last fall

However, the judge didn’t specify Thursday how Des Moines Superintendent Thomas Ahart should be punished.

DES MOINES, Iowa — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from March 3, 2021. 

An administrative law judge says the leader of Iowa’s largest school district violated his duty by not complying with a law intended to ensure students could learn in classrooms during the pandemic. 

However, the judge didn’t specify Thursday how Des Moines Superintendent Thomas Ahart should be punished.

Administrative Law Judge David Lindgren said during a hearing that Ahart “violated an ethical duty" to comply with all laws.

The Des Moines Register reports that the judge gave no timeline for when he’d decide how or even if Ahart should be punished. 

Ahart is facing potential sanctions because the Des Moines school board violated a state mandate in the 2020-2021 academic year that districts must offer at least half-time in-person learning.

RELATED: Virus dispute could force Iowa schools leader out of job

RELATED: Twice a Victim | Confidential documents show DMPS denied transfers for alleged victims of rape, assault and bullying

Watch: Des Moines Public Schools denied waiver to start year 100% online; district plans to sue the state

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