Early Life and Education of Ian Roberts (educator): A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Ian Roberts (educator). A timeline of key moments.

Ian Andre Roberts is a Guyanese-born individual who has achieved distinction in both athletics and education. As a former Olympic athlete, he represented his country on the world stage. Currently, he serves as a school district superintendent in the United States, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and administration within the education sector. His background and career trajectory highlight a successful transition from sports to education leadership.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

December 18, 1973: Ian Roberts Born

On December 18, 1973, Ian Andre Roberts was born. He would later become the Des Moines Independent Community School District system superintendent and a former Olympic athlete for Guyana.

1994: Started playing soccer at St. Francis College

In 1994, Roberts started playing soccer at St. Francis College in Brooklyn before transferring to Coppin State University.

2012: Principal of Anacostia High School

In 2012, Roberts became the principal of Anacostia High School in Washington, DC.

2013: Principal of the Year Award

In 2013, Roberts earned George Washington University’s Washington D.C. Principal of the Year award.

2018: Chief Schools Officer for Aspire Public Schools

From 2018, Roberts served as Chief Schools Officer for Aspire Public Schools.

2020: Superintendent of Millcreek Township School District

In 2020, Roberts became the superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Millcreek Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

July 2023: Superintendent of Des Moines School District

In July 2023, Roberts became the superintendent of the Des Moines Independent Community School District in Des Moines, Iowa.

2023: End of term as superintendent

In 2023, Roberts concluded his service as the superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District.

May 2024: Final order of removal issued

In May 2024, a "final order of removal" was issued for Roberts's deportation, according to ICE.

2024: School district unaware of removal order

In 2024, Roberts's school district stated they had no knowledge of a 2024 order of removal and placed Roberts on paid administrative leave.

September 2025: Detained by ICE agents

In September 2025, Ian Roberts was detained by ICE agents, who alleged he was in the United States unlawfully and termed him a "criminal alien" and a public safety threat. This September 2025 detention spurred protests and media attention.

September 26, 2025: ICE Reported Roberts's Detention

On September 26, 2025, ICE reported that Roberts had been detained in Des Moines, Iowa, and stated that a "final order of removal" had been issued for Roberts's deportation. At the time of his arrest, ICE said that he was found in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed blade hunting knife.