Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after FBI search and months on paid leave
Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Resigns Amid Federal Investigation and Paid Leave
Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after – Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), has officially stepped down from his role, citing a desire for students to focus on learning without external interference. His resignation, announced on June 21, 2026, came nearly four months after he was placed on paid leave as part of a federal probe. The decision to resign was made following a series of FBI searches that targeted his residence and the district’s headquarters earlier this year. Carvalho’s letter of resignation, addressed to “students, families, teachers, staff, and community,” emphasized his commitment to educational progress, stating, “Because I believe our schools must remain focused on students and learning without distraction, I am resigning as Superintendent of LAUSD effective today.”
Investigation and Legal Context
The FBI’s search of Carvalho’s home and the LAUSD headquarters occurred on February 25, triggering the board’s unanimous vote to place him on leave. At the time, authorities had not disclosed specific details about the investigation, which centers on a contract between the district and AllHere, an education technology firm. The deal, unveiled in 2024, involved the development of an AI chatbot named “Ed” intended to enhance student learning. However, the partnership ended abruptly when AllHere collapsed into bankruptcy, three months after the district paid the company $3 million. The investigation later linked the firm’s collapse to fraud charges against its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, who was indicted for securities and wire fraud, as well as identity theft.
“Mr. Carvalho respects the rule of law and the investigative process and has always acted in the best interests of students and within the bounds of the law,” stated Holland & Knight, the law firm representing him. “While the government’s investigation remains ongoing, no evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law.”
Despite the ongoing probe, Carvalho denied personal involvement in the selection of AllHere, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times. His tenure as superintendent began in 2022 under a four-year contract, with an annual salary of $440,000. Earlier this year, he had requested to be reinstated after the investigation began, but his resignation now marks the end of his leadership in the nation’s second-largest school district.
Leadership and Community Impact
Carvalho’s resignation has sparked discussions about the district’s stability and the role of leadership in times of uncertainty. LAUSD’s Board of Education confirmed receipt of his letter in a statement released Monday, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining “stability, continuity, and continued progress through strong leadership.” The board highlighted its focus on delivering quality education, supporting educators, and preserving community trust. It announced that Andrés Chait, the acting superintendent, will continue in his role until a permanent successor is appointed.
Before his appointment in Los Angeles, Carvalho spent his entire career in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where he gained recognition for improving academic outcomes. His work there, particularly in boosting graduation rates and achievement among Black and Hispanic students, earned national attention. Carvalho often shared personal stories about his journey as an immigrant from Portugal, including his early struggles as a restaurant and construction worker while experiencing homelessness. These anecdotes resonated with many in the community, framing his leadership as deeply connected to the challenges faced by students and families.
However, the investigation into AllHere has cast a shadow over his legacy. The company, which had a contract with LAUSD to develop the AI chatbot, was implicated in a fraud case that led to its downfall. The district’s inspector general later reviewed the matter, identifying potential missteps in the process. While Carvalho has maintained his innocence, the timing of the FBI searches and the subsequent leave have raised questions about the board’s confidence in his leadership. The district’s spokesperson noted that they are cooperating fully with investigators and have no further information to share at this time.
Timeline of Events and Broader Implications
The sequence of events began with the FBI’s search of Carvalho’s home and office in February 2026, followed by the district’s decision to place him on paid leave. The investigation initially focused on the AllHere contract, but it expanded to include other locations linked to the company’s operations. In Miami, the FBI also searched a third property belonging to Debra Kerr, a former collaborator of AllHere, suggesting the probe’s reach extended beyond Los Angeles. These searches highlighted the interconnectedness of the education technology sector and the district’s financial decisions.
Carvalho’s leadership in Miami-Dade spanned nearly 14 years, during which he rose through the administrative ranks from a high school physics teacher in the 1980s. His work there culminated in the creation of a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting schools, which faced scrutiny in 2020 after soliciting a $1.57 million donation from an online education company associated with LAUSD. This incident, though not directly tied to the current investigation, underscored the challenges of maintaining transparency in educational partnerships.
The resignation of Carvalho, who has now left the district’s helm, marks a significant shift in LAUSD’s direction. While the board has expressed confidence in his commitment to students, the timing of the FBI searches and the prolonged investigation have tested public perception. The district’s inspector general, tasked with evaluating the AllHere deal, has since reported findings that may influence the board’s decision on a new superintendent. Meanwhile, the ongoing legal proceedings against AllHere’s founder continue to shape the narrative around the district’s recent actions.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Reactions to Carvalho’s resignation have been mixed. Supporters highlight his dedication to education and his personal history of overcoming adversity, while critics question the lack of clarity regarding the investigation’s scope. The district’s leadership has sought to reassure stakeholders that the process is thorough and that the focus remains on students. As LAUSD moves forward, the search for a new superintendent will be critical in determining whether the district can recover from the recent challenges.
Carvalho’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for the district, which serves over 500,000 students. His resignation letter, which praised “historic progress” during his tenure, has been interpreted as a strategic move to distance himself from the investigation. The board’s statement, emphasizing its commitment to “strong leadership,” signals a desire to maintain momentum in educational reforms. With Andrés Chait temporarily leading the district, the board will need to address both the immediate fallout of the FBI searches and the long-term implications of the AllHere contract. The outcome of the investigation may ultimately shape the district’s future policies and its relationship with technology-driven educational initiatives.