DES MOINES, Iowa —

Des Moines school leaders are turning to an oversight committee for a $265 million bond referendum on next month's ballot to steady the district after the arrest of former Superintendent Ian Roberts, a move some residents say is warranted to restore confidence.

Dominique Forrest, who lives in Des Moines, said the scandal has shaken him.

“It definitely raises concern about what’s going on,” Forrest said, adding that an oversight panel makes sense given recent events.

Interim Superintendent Matt Smith emphasized that the district’s Reimagining Education plan is larger than any one person.

“It was actually built by a team and committee of 80 people,” Smith said, noting the work will continue despite the leadership change.

Smith said the plan’s goals remain intact: e

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