AUSTIN (KXAN) — Eanes Independent School District is searching for a new superintendent, but the company hired to find the district’s next leader has come under scrutiny, according to the district.
Eanes hired JG Consulting in August to find his replacement, a firm that was previously involved in the hiring of Ian Roberts to the superintendent position of Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa, a news release from the district said Thursday.
The now-terminated Roberts allegedly lied about his citizenship status, and he was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week, according to The Associated Press.
Further investigation in Des Moines alleges that Roberts has also lied about his credentials in Pennsylvania and across the country, according to the AP.
Des Moines district officials claimed they had no knowledge of Roberts being in the country illegally. Additionally, district officials said they signed a form verifying he was citizen when he was hired in 2023. He also had submitted a driver’s license and Social Security card, according to the AP.
Eanes ISD Board President Kim McMath said the district is aware of the allegations against JG Consulting, but “believes JG Consulting is conducting a thorough and comprehensive search” and will the company to provide “extensive background information on all candidates who advance for consideration.”
Previous leadership: tough acts to follow
Former superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett announced his retirement over the summer after nine years working in the district.
Over the course of his nine years leading the district, Arnett oversaw the creation of the Eanes ISD Police Department, entered the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment program to increase teacher pay and supported the 2023 bond referendum to successful passage.
Leading the district in the interim is Tom Trigg, named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year and winner of Kansas Superintendent of the Year in 2011.
Eanes reports that Trigg’s educational career spans 49 years. He most recently served as the superintendent of Highland Park ISD in Dallas.
The district expects to finalize a lone candidate for appointment to the position by the Nov. 18 board meeting.
“We are confident the district will be presented with well-qualified, carefully vetted candidates,” said McMath.
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