Spurred by former superintendent’s case, bill would strengthen Iowa schools’ vetting requirements

DES MOINES — Requirements for vetting teachers and other educators would be strengthened under legislation being considered by state lawmakers.

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Prompted by last year’s resignation of former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, who after a federal immigration arrest was found to have falsified information about his citizenship and education credentials, the proposal advanced through its first step in the legislative process Wednesday at the Iowa Capitol.

The legislation, Senate Study Bill 3015, would require school districts to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all employees, and state regulators to confirm the lawful presence of any individuals who apply for state licensure.

Iowa Sen. Lynn Evans, a Republican from Aurelia and a former school superintendent, said the legislation strengthens what is already common practice in school districts and in some cases is suggested, but not mandated by state law.

“I think it just enhances what the public is already expecting is being done,” Evans said during Wednesday’s subcommittee hearing.

Under the bill, school districts would be required to verify the employment eligibility of all employees in accordance with federal immigration law.

It also would require the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, the state agency that licenses educational professionals, to collect documentation that confirms all licensure applicants’ lawful presence in the U.S.

All three members of the legislative subcommittee — Evans, Republican Sen. Mike Pike of Des Moines, and Democratic Sen. Cindy Winckler of Davenport — approved of advancing the bill to the Senate Education Committee.

“I trust that most school districts are doing what’s expected in Iowa code and in the law right now. What we’re trying to do is just strengthen what is in Iowa code, what the expectations are,” Evans told reporters after the hearing. “And really, truly, it’s going to help not just the public, it’s going to help the school districts in guiding them better as well.”

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Lobbyists for education groups expressed concerns with some legal terms used in the bill and suggested clarifications — like using “authorized to work” in the U.S. instead of “legally present.” But none expressed opposition to the bill’s intent.

“We understand the need and the issue,” Dave Daughton, a lobbyist for School Administrators of Iowa, said during the hearing. “Our school districts want to make sure they’re obeying the law, federal law and also state law. So if this is where it comes, I think our administrators are going to be OK with that and make sure that we’re doing everything the right way.”

Roberts on Jan. 22 pleaded guilty to federal immigration and gun charges. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29.

Comments: (515) 355-1300, erin.murphy@thegazette.com

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