To the Editor:
No jurisdiction is immune to school violence. As a result, many districts have incorporated cameras, metal detectors, and armed officers into their security plans. While these are important safeguards, they are a secondary layer of protection. True school safety begins with properly vetting all school staff.
This lesson became painfully clear on September 26, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Shockingly, School Superintendent Ian Roberts, was arrested by federal authorities for immigration and weapons violations. Despite having a criminal history and embellishing on his resume, Roberts was hired to lead the Des Moines public school system.
As appalling as the Des Moines, Iowa case is, it is not an anomaly. For example, a 2025 Inspector General report found in Montgomery County, MD, more than 12,000 employees were not entered into the FBI database for screening. Additionally, thousands of employee were not properly vetted by Child Protective Services and some contractors were allowed to work without proper background checks.
Although many schools outsource background investigations to a commercial vendor, this practice does not absolve them of responsibility. Background reports must be reviewed internally by trained staff who can interpret the results, identify inconsistencies, and act on red flags. Children are the nation’s most precious resource. Therefore, school safety must begin with rigorous background checks, internal oversight, and periodic updates. Furthermore, these safeguards should become accreditation requirements to ensure consistency and accountability across all school systems.
Dr. James T. Scott
New Haven, CT
Scott is a retired State Police Sergeant and an associate professor at Albertus Magnus College