LAUSD Superintendent Resigns Amid FBI Investigation
Alberto Carvalho, the Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), unexpectedly resigned on Sunday, marking a sudden end to his leadership in one of the largest school systems in the United States.
This decision followed a significant incident in which the FBI conducted early morning searches at both his residence and the district’s headquarters in San Pedro. Shortly afterward, the school board placed him on paid administrative leave.
While the specifics of the federal investigation remain undisclosed, sources indicate it pertains to LAUSD’s troubled contract with AllHere, an education technology startup that provided a brief AI chatbot service before its founder faced fraud charges and the company ultimately went bankrupt.
What We Know
The investigation into Carvalho is officially sealed but reportedly covers various issues related to his time in Los Angeles as well as his prior role in Florida. A major aspect of this inquiry focuses on the LAUSD’s $6 million deal with AllHere Education. The startup launched an AI student assistant called Ed, but it filed for bankruptcy just months later, leading to criminal fraud charges against its founder, Joanna Smith Griffin. When the FBI searched Carvalho’s home and office in February, they also visited the residence of a former AllHere executive in Florida, scrutinizing how the contract was awarded. Carvalho, however, has denied any personal involvement. Interestingly, sources suggest that the investigation may have begun before he even arrived in California, exploring allegations of kickback schemes from his 14-year tenure in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Although he hasn’t been formally charged with any crime, Carvalho’s challenging situation appears tied to these past financial dealings and a failed tech contract.
Resignation and Future Leadership
In his resignation letter addressed to students, families, and staff, Carvalho defended his career and expressed that he stepped down to prevent the ongoing investigation from hindering the district’s educational objectives. Throughout this ordeal, he has maintained his innocence, with no criminal charges filed against him by federal prosecutors.
The LAUSD Board of Education has acknowledged his resignation and announced that Andres Chait will serve as acting superintendent to ensure operations continue smoothly. The Board emphasized its commitment to providing stability and maintaining community trust.
“The board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring stability, continuity, and continued progress through strong leadership,” the district stated. “Our focus remains the same: providing a quality education for all students, supporting our dedicated employees, and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve.”
Chait, a long-serving district administrator, has been overseeing daily operations since Carvalho’s placement on leave in late February. The Board plans to discuss future leadership during an upcoming meeting.
Carvalho’s exit is notable, especially considering his prior role leading Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 14 years before joining LAUSD in 2022. His time in Los Angeles has seen significant challenges, including a major employee strike and ongoing financial troubles that could lead to budget cuts and layoffs.
In a recent statement regarding his resignation, Carvalho expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “It has been a great honor to serve you,” he said. “Together, over the past four years, we have made historic progress, and that achievement belongs to our students, educators, staff, and community.”
