Des Moines superintendent outlines plan to reimagine education for district students

Ian Roberts, superintendent of the Des Moines Independent Comm School District, opened brief remarks by introducing himself and saying the district has a plan to "reimagine education" that will help every student succeed.

"My name is Ian Roberts, and I'm the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools," he said, then noted his past as an athlete who competed at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. He used a running metaphor to describe school improvement, saying "we are always running a race of some sort" and that students face challenges requiring preparation and support.

Roberts listed different kinds of learning opportunities—"Maybe it's an art exhibit. Maybe it's a music concert. Or it can be an amazing classroom with brilliant moments"—to illustrate the variety of ways students can succeed. He said the district is focused on ensuring "that all of our students have exactly what they need in order for them to achieve greatness." His closing remark reiterated the goal: "We have a plan to reimagine education here for the future in Des Moines so that every single student will not only be able to run the race, but they will get to the finish line."

The remarks in the transcript are introductory and framational: Roberts articulated a vision and priorities but did not present specific programs, budgets, policy proposals or formal actions in this excerpt. No votes or motions are recorded in the provided transcript of these remarks.