DES MOINES, Iowa —

Voters in Polk County have elected new members to the Des Moines School Board, and those members are stepping into a pivotal moment for the state’s largest district. Six weeks ago, former superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested and now faces federal charges, leaving the board to rebuild trust and guide the district forward.

The new board members will ultimately need to hire a long-term superintendent and ensure that the process is transparent, all while keeping the community engaged. Newly elected board member Ryan Howell sees the current spotlight as an opportunity to show residents how decisions are made and to strengthen public confidence in the schools.

“The silver lining in everything that's gone on is I think a lot of people are engaged,” Howell said. "I think

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