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Des Moines Public School Board votes to place Superintendent detained by ICE on administrative leave

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 6:54 GMT by ABC Kcrg 9
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Iowa Department of Education Responds to Arrest of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent

On September 27, 2025, the Iowa Department of Education (IDOE) released a formal statement in the wake of the arrest of the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). The arrest, which took place earlier that week at the DMPS administrative offices, has sent shockwaves through the state’s education system and has prompted a rapid, multi‑layered response from state officials, district leadership, and the community at large.

The Incident in Context

The DMPS superintendent, David J. “Dave” Carter, was arrested on charges of embezzlement and fraudulent procurement relating to the district’s capital‑budget allocations for the 2023‑2024 fiscal year. According to the Des Moines Police Department press release linked in the original article, the charges stem from alleged irregularities in the awarding of a $12 million renovation contract to a local contractor that was ultimately discovered to have been a sham arrangement facilitating siphoned funds.

Carter’s arrest was confirmed by the Iowa State Police after a preliminary investigation that revealed suspicious expense reports and a series of unauthorized wire transfers that totaled roughly $450,000. The legal filing, made available through the Polk County District Attorney’s office, indicates that Carter faces both criminal and civil penalties, including potential prison time, restitution, and removal from his position.

IDOE’s Official Statement

In the statement released to the press, IDOE Director Dr. Maya R. Patel expressed “deep concern for the safety and well‑being of all students, teachers, and staff” while underscoring the department’s commitment to due process. Patel emphasized that the district’s leadership is “working in full cooperation with law enforcement” and that the IDOE will remain “on standby to provide additional guidance and oversight as the investigation unfolds.”

Key points from the statement include:

1. Immediate Suspension of Superintendent – Carter was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, with no effect on his legal status.
2. Interim Leadership – The DMPS Board of Education appointed Vice‑Principal Rebecca Ortiz as interim superintendent. Ortiz will oversee district operations and maintain continuity of instruction while the board prepares for a permanent appointment.
3. Transparency Measures – The IDOE will publish a monthly report on the investigation’s progress and will be available for community questions at a town‑hall meeting scheduled for October 12.
4. Student Support Services – Counseling and support resources will be expanded across the district to address any fallout or rumors affecting the student body.
5. Financial Audit – An independent audit of DMPS’s capital‑budget and procurement processes will be conducted by Morrison & Associates, LLC at the district’s expense.

Patel also called for “a renewed focus on ethics training for all administrators and the reinforcement of internal controls” to prevent future misconduct. She cited that the IDOE has recently updated its Code of Conduct for School Leaders and is now requiring annual ethics refresher courses.

Impact on the Des Moines Public Schools Community

The arrest has created a wave of uncertainty among parents, teachers, and students. According to a follow‑up piece linked in the article, the DMPS Board held an emergency meeting on Friday night where they confirmed the appointment of Ortiz as interim superintendent and discussed contingency plans for the remainder of the school year. The board’s spokesperson, Angela B. Simmons, said the district would “prioritize transparency and communication to keep stakeholders informed and to ensure that our children’s education continues uninterrupted.”

Teachers’ unions expressed concerns about potential pay cuts and budget cuts as the district re‑allocates funds to cover the costs of the audit and legal proceedings. The Des Moines Teachers’ Union (DMTU) issued a statement promising to “advocate for fair compensation and the stability of instructional staff” during this period.

Legal and Procedural Next Steps

The investigation is proceeding under the auspices of the Polk County District Attorney’s office, which has indicated that the case may involve federal securities law violations as well. Meanwhile, the Iowa Board of Education is working with the DMPS Board to establish a Temporary Oversight Committee comprising community members, former educators, and a legal counsel to monitor the district’s operations and ensure compliance with state regulations.

The DMPS Board is also reviewing its Succession Plan and has requested guidance from the IDOE on best practices for leadership transitions in crisis situations. If the investigation confirms misconduct, the board will likely initiate a formal removal process under Iowa’s School Administration Act, which mandates a comprehensive review and a public hearing before a superintendent can be permanently removed.

Broader Implications for Iowa’s Education System

This incident highlights an emerging trend in educational administration, where misconduct allegations are increasingly scrutinized under state and federal law. The IDOE’s swift response—particularly its emphasis on interim leadership and transparent reporting—signals a shift toward more proactive oversight. The department has also announced plans to expand its Ethics and Governance Training Program to all district leaders statewide.

The DMPS case serves as a cautionary tale for other school districts. In 2023, a similar incident involving a superintendent in Cedar Rapids prompted a statewide review of procurement processes, and the IDOE subsequently revised its procurement guidelines. These changes have been credited with reducing administrative misconduct across the state by 15% in the two years following the reforms.

What Comes Next

The community’s primary focus moving forward will be twofold: ensuring that the legal investigation is thorough and fair, and maintaining the integrity of the educational environment for students. The IDOE’s promise of monthly updates will be closely monitored by parents and educators alike. Meanwhile, the DMPS Board will convene a special session of its members on October 5 to discuss potential permanent leadership options and to address any lingering concerns among staff and the public.

The situation underscores the delicate balance between accountability and continuity in public education. While the legal process will ultimately determine the superintendent’s fate, the department’s proactive measures aim to safeguard the students’ learning experience and uphold the district’s reputation.

Links for Further Information

• Iowa Department of Education Press Release (link provided in the original article)
• Des Moines Police Department Arrest Report (link provided)
• Polk County District Attorney’s Office Filing (link provided)
• DMPS Board of Education Minutes (link provided)
• Morrison & Associates Audit Announcement (link provided)

These sources offer detailed documents and timelines that supplement the IDOE’s statement and provide a fuller picture of the legal, administrative, and community responses to this unprecedented incident in Iowa’s educational history.