Iowa school district’s new hiring policy allows convicted criminal to apply

The largest school district in Iowa will now consider applicants with criminal records after revising its hiring policy.

The Des Moines Public School District Superintendent Ian Roberts announced the change at a public forum Sunday, citing his belief in people’s ability to change.

“I believe that people are so much better than the worst thing they’ve ever done,” Roberts said, according to the Des Moines Register. “I have overturned at least … five or six decisions around not hiring individuals based on something in their background because they have an opportunity not only for them to be redeemed, but for them to add value to the students that we are serving.”

The school board has already approved Roberts’ proposal on the condition the district prioritizes student and staff safety when considering any possible new hire, according to The Daily Wire.

Top administrators reportedly said the change is a result of the district’s attempt to hire more diverse teachers and staff after a report showed 80% of the district’s staff members are white.

However, the district previously terminated its contract with school resource officers (SROs) due to the district’s concerns law enforcement was abusing its authority with students of color, The Daily Wire said.  

“This means that we will move forward with our proposed separation from the DMPD and the SRO program and begin immediately executing on our replacement plan,” Associate Superintendent Matthew Smith said. “This is a multi-year plan that is a part of a larger integrated services strategy.” 

Since SRO’s have been removed, the district has seen a spike in student behavioral problems, according to XIOS Des Moines.  

A poll showed only 50% of students in grades 6-12 felt physically and psychologically safe at school in the Des Moines Public School District.