A former Baltimore school principal who was detained by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement could become the subject of legal action by a school system in Pennsylvania where he used to work, the school system said in a release this week.
Ian Roberts was employed with Baltimore City Public Schools from 2001 to 2010, after which he served as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania from 2020 to 2023. This week, he resigned as superintendent for Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa, following his arrest. According to ICE, Roberts was subject to a deportation order that was issued in 2024.
Roberts falsely claimed to have obtained a doctorate from Morgan State University and was hired for the Des Moines superintendent position despite the school board’s knowledge that he had falsely claimed the degree, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.
The Millcreek Township School District Board of School Directors wrote that they believe documents Roberts gave the district for employment verification were “fabricated or false,” and the board is directing lawyers to examine whether they can pursue any claims against him. The board also said it is considering legal action against the firm leading the search for the district’s superintendent.
“Specifically, we are most disappointed to learn about his lack of citizenship and educational credentialing, as Roberts represented to the District that he was a U.S. citizen and that he had earned a Doctorate in Education,” the board wrote, adding that there was a lack of information about his criminal history. “The egregious breach of trust that was perpetrated by Roberts, who we hired to lead our schools, is unconscionable.”
Roberts was transferred Thursday from a county jail in Iowa to the custody of the U.S. Justice Department. He is charged with being unlawfully present in the United States while possessing firearms. Roberts’ attorney said he will plead not guilty.
Asked if Baltimore City Schools is considering similar legal action involving Roberts’ prior employment, the school system responded in an email, “Our hiring process includes comprehensive background checks and credential verification in accordance with state and federal requirements. These procedures are designed to identify and prevent false claims of qualifications, including academic degrees, before an individual is employed.”
In 2013, a former Baltimore public school teacher sued Roberts, accusing Roberts — who was then the principal at Friendship Academy of Science and Technology — pressured him during the 2008-09 school year to improve students’ grades without cause, FOX45 reported on Thursday. The teacher alleged Roberts was trying to “make a failing school appear successful.” The case was decided in the school system’s favor, on the basis that the statue of limitations for filing a suit had run out.
Have a news tip? Contact Brooke Conrad at bconrad@baltsun.com or 443-682-2356.