Superintendent on Leave Amid Investigation
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has been put on administrative leave following an extensive discussion and a unanimous decision by the board of education.
While on paid leave, Carvalho will still receive his weekly salary of approximately $8,500 until the investigation concludes.
In the interim, Andres Chait, Superintendent of Northeast Regional School District, will step in to oversee the significant responsibilities that include managing an $18.8 billion budget and serving around 400,000 students.
The board might consider appointing additional interim leadership as the situation develops.
This sudden development is unexpected for Carvalho, who has been recognized as one of the top superintendents in the nation. Interestingly, just last year, the Los Angeles Board of Education extended his contract by unanimous vote.
At 61, Carvalho previously led Miami schools for 14 years before taking on the role in Los Angeles for a salary of $440,000 per year in 2022.
Despite LA Unified experiencing improvements in test scores and graduation rates, a criminal investigation could significantly tarnish Carvalho’s career.
Federal agents executed search warrants at Carvalho’s residence, the LAUSD headquarters, and the Miami home of Debra Kerr, a former consultant for All Here, which is linked to the investigation.
Reportedly, FBI agents were seen collecting items from Carvalho’s home.
Neither Carvalho nor Kerr has been formally charged with any crime, and both have not responded to requests for comment.
Details surrounding the investigation remain unclear, with court documents under seal. Officials from LAUSD confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement during this process.
The inquiry likely revolves around LAUSD’s contract with All Here, a tech company that developed a chatbot for the district.
Joanna Smith-Griffin, the company’s founder, faced fraud charges in 2024, shortly after participating in public events with Carvalho to promote a $6 million contract with the district.
Under Carvalho’s leadership, LAUSD allegedly paid nearly $3 million to Smith-Griffin’s firm for services that were never delivered.
Federal prosecutors accuse her of defrauding investors of $10 million to fund personal expenses such as a wedding and a house.
If convicted, she may face over 20 years in prison. Smith-Griffin and her attorney did not provide any comments on the matter.
The FBI and the Justice Department haven’t confirmed if the All Here contract is central to the investigation concerning Carvalho or if he is specifically targeted.
Neighbors reported that FBI agents arrived at Carvalho’s home early Wednesday morning, with officers using loudspeakers to instruct residents to remain indoors during the operation.
Since the incident, Carvalho has not appeared publicly.
At the recent board meeting, which consisted of seven elected members, discussions about Carvalho’s future were tense, especially with parents in attendance expressing their concerns.
During public comments, frustrations over a perceived lack of transparency and accountability arose, with one parent urging board members to resign with dignity if the investigation escalates.
Some community members believe the federal raid highlights long-standing issues regarding transparency in a district managing vast public resources.
Another parent commented on the fear generated by the FBI’s involvement, suggesting that families felt overlooked until federal agents intervened.
Concerns were also voiced about how instability in leadership may adversely affect students, particularly those needing specialized services, where continuity is crucial.
