WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – Waterloo Schools has selected the inaugural principal of Waterloo United High School, selecting a district veteran from a national pool of candidates. Zach O’Brien, who has nearly 20 years of experience in Waterloo Schools, will begin a dedicated leadership role in the 2026-27 school year, focusing on strategic planning, staffing, and developing the school’s culture before it opens for the 2028-29 school year. O’Brien has served Waterloo Schools as a teacher, instructional strategist, and PBDA coordinator. He most recently served as assistant principal at West High School and head principal at Bunger Middle School. Waterloo United High School will serve as the district’s primary high school, combining traditional academics with career and technical education programs. The district will next hire an athletic director for Waterloo United High School and an assistant principal focused on the Waterloo Career Center.
AMES, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa State University Student Government Judicial Branch has dismissed impeachment proceedings against the university’s student government president, ruling that the articles of impeachment violated his constitutional rights. The student government impeached President Colby Brandt during a meeting on Wednesday, with five of seven articles of impeachment passing a senate vote. Student senators accused Brandt of participating in a paid political retreat and accepting a recruiting position while serving as student body president. Student senators alleged Brandt had ties to the Campus Victory Project, a political organization funded by Turning Point USA.
OELWEIN, Iowa (KCRG) – Firefighters handled challenging conditions while extinguishing a fire in an Oelwein building on Friday night, February 20. At around 5:40 p.m., the Oelwein Fire Department received a call that flames were visible at an industrial building in the 900 block of 2nd Avenue SE. The Hazleton Fire Department was also contacted for assistance. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters spotted smoke coming out of the roof of Ashley Industrial Molding near the middle of the north section of the building. Firefighting operations were complicated by the fire spreading within layers of rubber roofing and insulation materials. In addition, firefighters encountered slippery conditions on the ground and on the roof of the structure, further complicating efforts to fight the flames. To handle the slippery surfaces, The Oelwein Street Department provided sand to improve traction. In addition, the Oelwein Public Safety drone was used to monitor for thermal hotspots and improve firefighter safety. Crews remained on-scene for about three hours and kept damage contained to the roof area of the industrial complex.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The search firm that helped in the hiring of former Des Moines Public Schools’ Superintendent Ian Roberts is now countersuing the district. This comes after the school district sued the search firm back in October. In Texas-based JG Consulting’s lawsuit, filed Wednesday, accuses the school district of defamation and is seeking compensation for the damages. DMPS says the search firm failed to properly vet candidates, claiming breach of contract and negligence. “Faced with a barrage of negative media attention for its decision to hire Dr. Roberts, the District quickly turned on JG Consulting, pointing the finger at anyone and everyone except itself,” the filing reads. For two years, Roberts was superintendent for two years of Iowa’s largest school district. Then in September, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Roberts. He later pleaded guilty to federal immigration and gun charges. The district hired JG Consulting firm in 2023 to screen superintendent candidates. The school board said the firm did not notify them of Roberts’ immigration issues. JG Consulting says it performed a comprehensive criminal, credit and background check of Roberts and provided all information to the school district. Additionally, JG Consulting said it could not confirm Robert’s work or immigration status, since only the employer can conduct an I-9 or E-Verify search. DMPS did not E-Verify Roberts’ immigration status, which is not a job application requirement in Iowa. JG Consulting sent DMPS prior criminal record of Roberts owning a gun and told the district that his resumes were inconsistent. “Ultimately, despite these red flags, the District unanimously selected Dr. Ian Roberts … over a host of other potential candidates presented by JG Consulting,” the filing reads. “The District’s decision turned out to be ruinous.” Roberts sentencing is set for May 29.
