Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho Resigns Amid FBI Investigation
Los Angeles schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho – Alberto Carvalho, the leader of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), has announced his resignation following an FBI raid on his residence and workplace earlier this year. The superintendent, who oversaw the nation’s second-largest school system, stepped down on June 21, 2026, stating that his decision aims to eliminate distractions from the district’s educational mission. “Prioritizing student success has always been the foundation of my work,” he stated in a public declaration. “By resigning today, I seek to ensure our schools remain unwavering in their focus on learning and the well-being of every child.” His exit marks the end of a four-year tenure, during which he was appointed in 2022 and later reappointed unanimously in the fall of 2025.
FBI Raids and Ongoing Scrutiny
Carvalho’s resignation coincides with an FBI investigation that has drawn significant attention. The probe, believed to center on a high-profile AI contract that failed in 2024, has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. Earlier this year, agents conducted a search at his home and office, seizing documents and equipment. The operation was accompanied by a similar raid at the LAUSD headquarters, where staff were temporarily evacuated. Additionally, the residence of a close associate of Carvalho was also searched, according to reports from local news outlets like Fox 11 and the Los Angeles Times.
While the FBI has not yet disclosed the specifics of the investigation, officials suspect it relates to AllHere, a now-defunct educational technology startup that secured a $6 million contract with LAUSD in 2023. The deal included a $3 million upfront payment for the development of a student-facing chatbot. The project collapsed in 2024 after the company’s founder, Joanna Smith-Griffith, faced allegations of financial mismanagement and data privacy violations. Whistleblowers and internal reports suggested the company had misused funds, leading to its downfall and casting doubt on the decision to award the contract.
Achievements and Gratitude in Resignation
Despite the controversy, Carvalho emphasized several key accomplishments during his tenure in the resignation letter. He credited the district with achieving historic milestones, such as unprecedented graduation rates, academic improvements compared to pre-pandemic benchmarks, and measurable progress in advancing equitable opportunities for underserved students. “The achievements we’ve made reflect the dedication of our entire community,” he wrote. “I leave this role with deep appreciation for the trust placed in me by students, families, educators, and partners.” His statement also highlighted his commitment to the district’s most vulnerable populations, a priority he maintained throughout his leadership.
Carvalho’s resignation comes as the LAUSD Board reaffirms its dedication to maintaining public confidence. In a statement, the board expressed its continued support for the district’s mission, stating, “Our focus remains unchanged: delivering a high-quality education to every student, empowering our staff, and upholding the trust of the communities we serve.” The board also praised the district’s leadership team for their efforts in ensuring stability and progress, even as the FBI probe intensifies. Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait will now take the helm until a permanent successor is selected.
Contract Details and Personal Connections
The AllHere contract, awarded in 2023, was reportedly facilitated by Debra Kerr, an edtech salesperson who has maintained a long-standing professional and personal relationship with Carvalho since the 2000s. Public records cited by the Los Angeles Times indicate that Kerr played a key role in the deal, which was finalized with the support of the superintendent’s team. The FBI’s recent raids included Kerr’s Miami home, signaling the scope of the investigation. While the exact nature of the probe remains unclear, it is thought to connect Carvalho’s business ties to the failed AI initiative and potential ethical concerns.
The collapse of the AllHere project has left LAUSD facing questions about the oversight process. The chatbot, intended to streamline communication between students and administrators, was abandoned after the company’s founder was accused of embezzling funds. The scandal has sparked debates about transparency in public education spending and the influence of private partnerships on district decisions. Carvalho’s resignation is seen as a strategic move to distance himself from the controversy, though the investigation is expected to continue into the district’s management practices.
Public Reaction and Future Outlook
The news of Carvalho’s departure has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters praised his dedication to student equity and academic growth, while critics questioned his role in the AI contract debacle. Some community members expressed concern over the potential for political influence in the district’s operations, while others lauded his efforts to modernize education through technology. “This resignation reflects a broader reckoning with leadership accountability in public schools,” said one educator in a local forum.
As LAUSD transitions to new leadership, the district faces the challenge of maintaining its progress while addressing the scrutiny surrounding the FBI probe. The board has vowed to prioritize transparency and efficiency in its operations, ensuring that the trust of students and families remains intact. Carvalho’s legacy will be evaluated based on his tenure’s successes and the ongoing investigations that may shape the district’s future. For now, the focus shifts to selecting a superintendent who can navigate the complexities of the current situation and continue the district’s mission of educational excellence.
“Placing students first has always guided my work,” Carvalho said in a statement. “Because I believe our schools must remain focused on students and learning without distraction, I am resigning as Superintendent of LAUSD effective today, June 21, 2026.”
Carvalho’s resignation letter also underscored his belief in the district’s core values, stating, “The successes we have achieved belong to you.” He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of teachers, administrators, and staff, as well as the support of the community. His words, though bittersweet, aim to highlight the collective achievements that define his time in office. As the district moves forward, the focus will remain on how to sustain these gains amid the challenges posed by the FBI investigation.
The broader implications of the probe extend beyond Carvalho’s personal accountability. It has reignited discussions about the role of private contractors in shaping public education policies and the need for stricter oversight in large-scale technology initiatives. With the district’s leadership now in transition, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the probe leads to systemic reforms or simply shifts responsibility to a new superintendent. Regardless, the event marks a pivotal moment in LAUSD’s history, one that will be remembered for both its progress and the controversies it has endured.
