This much is clear: if the Des Moines school board had the information we now have today, the board never would have hired Roberts. Guest columnists

This essay is signed by Jackie Norris, Des Moines school board chair; Skylar Mayberry Mayes, vice chair; and board members Maria Alonzo, Anna Campos, Patrick Dix, Jenna Knox and Kim Martorano.

It has been a challenging time for Iowa students, teachers and families. First, we learned that Ian Roberts, former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent, was not legally authorized to work in the United States; many more previously unknown truths about Roberts’ past and his resume have since come to light.

From the moment we learned of Roberts’ arrest and immigration status, the school board's attention has been focused on leading the district and

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