Ian Roberts: Leading Des Moines Public Schools Toward a Brighter Future

In the ever-changing landscape of American education, strong leadership can make all the difference. In Des Moines, Iowa, that leadership comes in the form of Dr. Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). As the largest school district in Iowa, serving more than 30,000 students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, DMPS faces both unique challenges and enormous opportunities. Roberts’ vision, strategies, and leadership style have quickly made him one of the most closely watched education leaders in the Midwest.

A Leader With Global Perspective

Ian Roberts isn’t just a superintendent by title — his background reflects a global perspective on education and leadership. Born in Guyana, Roberts first made a name for himself as an accomplished Olympic athlete, representing his country as a sprinter. The discipline, resilience, and drive he developed on the track would later shape his approach to leadership in schools.

After moving to the United States, Roberts pursued a career in education that spanned the classroom, principalships, and district leadership roles. His experience in urban school systems like Baltimore and Denver, combined with his deep belief in equity and inclusion, positioned him as an ideal candidate to take the helm of Des Moines Public Schools.

Challenges Facing Des Moines Public Schools

Des Moines, like many urban districts, has a wide range of needs. Nearly one in five students in DMPS is an English language learner (ELL), and more than three-quarters qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. These demographics underscore the importance of a superintendent who understands equity in education — not just as a slogan, but as a daily commitment.

Roberts has been outspoken about the need to close opportunity gaps, support multilingual learners, and ensure that every child has access to rigorous academics, mental health resources, and safe learning environments. He recognizes that students cannot excel academically if their basic needs — safety, nutrition, and emotional well-being — are not met first.

Equity and Inclusion at the Core

One of Roberts’ signature themes is equity and inclusion. Under his leadership, DMPS has focused on making curriculum more culturally responsive, hiring and retaining more teachers of color, and expanding access to advanced coursework for students who may have historically been underrepresented.

Roberts has also emphasized the importance of student voice. Whether through town halls, student advisory groups, or direct conversations in schools, he makes it a priority to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the students he serves.

Academic Innovation and Career Readiness

Another defining element of Roberts’ vision is preparing students not just for graduation, but for life after high school. This means creating pathways into college, skilled trades, and careers in technology, healthcare, and beyond.

DMPS under Roberts has invested in:

• Career and technical education (CTE) programs that give students hands-on training in real-world skills.

• STEM initiatives that connect students to rapidly growing fields.

• Dual-credit courses that allow high schoolers to earn college credits before graduation.

Roberts often highlights that success doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all definition. For some, it may be a four-year university; for others, it may be an apprenticeship, military service, or a professional certification. His message to families: Des Moines Public Schools is committed to preparing your child for whichever path they choose.

Navigating Political Pressures

As superintendent, Roberts also operates within the broader political environment of Iowa, where debates over education policy have intensified in recent years. Issues such as school funding, curriculum restrictions, and the role of public versus private education have been front and center.

Roberts has sought to maintain a clear focus: putting students first. While acknowledging the realities of political decision-making, he consistently advocates for adequate funding, respect for educators, and policies that do not leave vulnerable students behind.

Building Community Trust

Trust between a school district and its community doesn’t happen overnight. Roberts has made transparency and communication central to his leadership. Through newsletters, social media, public forums, and consistent engagement with parents, teachers, and civic leaders, he has sought to create a sense of shared mission: ensuring Des Moines’ children thrive.

He also recognizes that schools are not just classrooms — they are community hubs. That’s why DMPS has strengthened partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and higher education institutions to expand opportunities for students beyond the traditional school day.

Looking Ahead: Roberts’ Long-Term Vision

So where does Ian Roberts hope to take Des Moines Public Schools in the coming years? His goals are ambitious yet grounded in the realities of the district:

1. Raising Academic Achievement – Increasing graduation rates, improving literacy scores, and closing gaps in math and reading proficiency.

2. Expanding Access to Early Childhood Education – Ensuring that every child enters kindergarten ready to learn.

3. Investing in Educators – Recruiting, supporting, and retaining a strong and diverse teaching workforce.

4. Modernizing Facilities and Technology – Creating safe, innovative learning environments with updated resources.

5. Strengthening Student Support Systems – Enhancing counseling, mental health services, and extracurricular opportunities.

Roberts has often spoken about education as the great equalizer — a tool that can lift families out of poverty, empower young people, and strengthen communities. His leadership is an attempt to turn that philosophy into a reality for the 30,000+ students of Des Moines.

Conclusion

In a time when public education is under both immense pressure and intense scrutiny, Dr. Ian Roberts’ leadership in Des Moines Public Schools stands out. He brings with him not only the discipline of an Olympic athlete and the vision of a global educator, but also the empathy and dedication of a leader who truly listens to his students and community.

For Des Moines, the road ahead will not be without challenges. But under Roberts’ steady guidance, the district has the potential to become not just a model for Iowa, but for urban school systems across the nation. His work reminds us that at the heart of every educational debate are children whose futures depend on the decisions made today.

As superintendent, Ian Roberts is determined to make those decisions count.