Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after FBI search and months on paid leave

Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Steps Down Amid Federal Probe

Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after – Alberto Carvalho, the head of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), has announced his resignation, effective June 21, 2026. This decision follows four months of paid leave imposed by the district’s Board of Education during a federal investigation. While Carvalho’s resignation letter did not explicitly reference the FBI’s search of his residence and the district’s headquarters on Feb. 25, he emphasized his commitment to student-focused education, stating he wanted to ensure “students learn without distraction.”

Investigation Unfolds

The FBI’s raid on Carvalho’s home and the district’s main office triggered a thorough examination of LAUSD’s operations. The Board of Education swiftly responded by placing him on administrative leave two days after the warrants were served, citing the need to investigate potential misconduct. Despite the probe, no formal accusations have been levied against Carvalho. His legal team, Holland & Knight, has maintained that he acted in the best interest of students and within the law, with no evidence presented to support claims of federal law violations.

Authorities have yet to disclose specifics about the investigation, which reportedly centers on a contract between LAUSD and AllHere, an education technology firm. The deal, unveiled in 2024, involved the development of an AI chatbot named “Ed” aimed at enhancing student learning. However, the partnership faced scrutiny three months after its launch when the district abruptly ended its ties with AllHere, which later filed for bankruptcy. Around the same time, the company’s founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was charged with securities and wire fraud, as well as identity theft.

Carvalho’s Background and Advocacy

Before assuming the role of LAUSD superintendent in 2022, Carvalho spent his entire career in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. His tenure there earned him national recognition for improving graduation rates and academic outcomes for Black and Hispanic students. Known for his personal story, he often shared his experiences as a recent immigrant from Portugal, working in restaurants and construction while facing homelessness in his early years.

Carvalho’s leadership in Miami was marked by a focus on equitable education. He led the district for nearly 14 years, rising from a high school physics teacher in the 1980s to superintendent. His advocacy extended beyond the classroom; he championed initiatives to support immigrant communities, including a nonprofit he founded to bolster local schools. This organization, however, came under fire in 2020 after it solicited a $1.57 million donation from an online education company linked to LAUSD. The district’s inspector general later reviewed the matter, though no findings were immediately released.

Carvalho’s decision to resign was framed as a proactive step to maintain focus on education. In his letter to “students, families, teachers, staff, and community,” he praised “historic progress” during his time in LAUSD. “Because I believe our schools must remain focused on students and learning without distraction, I am resigning as Superintendent of LAUSD effective today,” he wrote. The Board of Education acknowledged his resignation in a Monday statement, reaffirming its dedication to stability and continued improvement. It noted that Andrés Chait, who has served as acting superintendent since the investigation began, will remain in charge until a new leader is appointed.

Timeline of Events and Financial Details

The FBI’s investigation began with searches of Carvalho’s home and the LAUSD headquarters, but it later expanded to include a Miami property linked to Debra Kerr, a former AllHere associate. This third location was raided in February, raising questions about the scope of the probe. Carvalho’s contract with LAUSD, which he signed in 2022, was a four-year agreement with an annual salary of $440,000. He recently renewed this contract in February 2026, just weeks before the FBI’s intervention, ensuring his continued leadership under the same terms.

The partnership with AllHere, which Carvalho had heavily promoted in 2024, was a pivotal moment. The AI chatbot was intended to revolutionize classroom engagement and support student learning. Yet, the district’s swift decision to terminate the deal raised eyebrows, especially since it followed the company’s financial collapse. Carvalho had defended the choice, asserting that the collaboration was beneficial and that he had no personal involvement in the selection of AllHere. The district’s inspector general later confirmed this, stating that the decision was based on operational and financial considerations rather than personal misconduct.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Carvalho’s supporters argue that the probe has not overshadowed his achievements. His tenure in LAUSD has been marked by efforts to modernize education systems and address disparities. The district has faced challenges, including budget constraints and political pressures, but Carvalho’s leadership has aimed to stabilize its operations. His resignation, however, has sparked debate about the balance between accountability and leadership in public education.

Community and Institutional Response

LAUSD’s Board of Education expressed confidence in Carvalho’s decision, highlighting the district’s commitment to strong leadership. “Our focus remains unchanged: providing every student with a high-quality education, supporting our dedicated workforce, and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve,” the Board stated in its release. This statement underscores the district’s resolve to move forward, even as the investigation continues.

Carvalho’s departure has also been met with mixed reactions. Some educators and community leaders praised his dedication to students, while others questioned the timing of his resignation. The FBI’s search of his home and office, which occurred during the investigation, added to the scrutiny. However, Carvalho’s legal team has consistently maintained that the probe has not uncovered any wrongdoing on his part.

As the district prepares for a new era of leadership, the focus will remain on the future of education in Los Angeles. With over 500,000 students enrolled in LAUSD, the superintendent’s role is critical in shaping policies and programs. The resignation of a leader with a strong track record in educational reform has left many wondering about the impact on the district’s progress and the broader implications for public education in the United States.