DES MOINES, Iowa —

On the eve of classes resuming, community and faith leaders gathered Sunday at First United Methodist Church to pray for Des Moines Public Schools and Superintendent Ian Roberts , whose arrest remains under investigation .

“We gather today to support, not only Doctor Roberts, but also to support our public school system in this time,” Des Moines First United Methodist Church Senior Pastor LaTonya Calderon said to open the event.

State Rep. Rob Johnson urged a focus on students rather than unanswered questions.

“We don’t need details to wrap our arms around the students of the Des Moines Public Schools tomorrow,” he said.

More than 30,000 students return to the district on Monday.

'Close Up': KCCI's full interview with DMPS Board Chair Jackie Norris after Superi

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