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

Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Resigns Amid FBI Investigation

Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after – Alberto Carvalho, the Los Angeles Unified School District’s superintendent, has resigned following an FBI raid and months of paid leave, marking a significant shift in leadership amid a federal inquiry. His resignation, effective June 21, 2026, was announced after the district’s Board of Education had approved his leave just two days prior to the search warrants being served. Carvalho cited the need to eliminate distractions for students, stating that his departure would allow the district to focus on its educational mission without interruption. While the formal resignation letter did not explicitly mention the FBI’s search of his home and the district’s headquarters, the probe is believed to be the driving force behind his decision.

Federal Probe Targets AI Contract with Tech Firm

The investigation, which has yet to disclose specific charges, centers on Carvalho’s four-year contract with AllHere, an education technology company. The firm was contracted to develop an AI-driven chatbot named “Ed” to support student learning, a project heavily promoted by Carvalho in 2024. However, the partnership ended months after its launch, with LAUSD terminating the agreement and AllHere filing for bankruptcy. The FBI’s search of Carvalho’s residence and the district’s headquarters suggests the probe is examining potential misconduct tied to this arrangement, though details remain under wraps.

Carvalho’s decision to resign comes as the FBI intensifies its scrutiny of LAUSD’s financial dealings. The agency’s search focused on documents and digital records that may shed light on the district’s relationship with AllHere. Although the inquiry has not yet led to formal accusations, the timing of the raids—coinciding with the superintendent’s paid leave—has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his exit. The Board of Education has not publicly commented on whether they plan to replace Carvalho immediately.

A Leadership Journey Through Miami and Los Angeles

Carvalho’s career in education began in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where he spent over a decade shaping policies and programs. His tenure there earned him national acclaim for boosting graduation rates and academic performance among Black and Hispanic students, positioning him as a reformer before his appointment to LAUSD in 2022. As a former high school physics teacher in the 1980s, he later advanced to administrative roles, including leading Miami-Dade for nearly 14 years. His transition to Los Angeles was seen as a step toward broader influence in educational leadership.

Despite his achievements, Carvalho’s career in Miami was not without controversy. In 2020, a nonprofit he founded faced scrutiny after it received a $1.57 million donation from an online education company also linked to the district. While the inspector general found no evidence of misconduct, the incident underscored the complex ties between LAUSD and external partners. This backdrop may have influenced the FBI’s focus on his leadership during the current probe.

Legal Defense and Resignation Motives

Carvalho’s legal team, Holland & Knight, has argued that he acted within the bounds of the law and in the best interests of students. In a previous declaration, the firm stated, “No evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law.” Despite this, the superintendent chose to resign, emphasizing his commitment to prioritizing education. “I am resigning as Los Angeles schools superintendent to ensure students can focus on learning without distraction,” he wrote in his letter, which was shared with the public on June 21, 2026.

The district’s Board of Education reaffirmed its dedication to stability in a statement following the resignation. “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 said. This statement aligns with Carvalho’s claim that his departure was aimed at restoring the district’s educational priorities. However, the absence of formal accusations leaves room for speculation about the investigation’s outcomes.

Broader Implications for LAUSD and Its Partnerships

The FBI’s search of LAUSD headquarters and Carvalho’s residence has sparked concerns about the district’s financial transparency and decision-making processes. The probe, which expanded to a property in Miami linked to a former AllHere associate, indicates a broader scope than initially anticipated. This suggests that the investigation may uncover systemic issues within the district’s contracts and collaborations with tech firms. Carvalho’s resignation could signal a turning point in LAUSD’s relationship with these external partners, potentially reshaping its approach to technology integration in education.

As the FBI continues its investigation, LAUSD remains cooperative, though it has not released further details. The district’s leadership is now tasked with addressing the fallout from the raid and determining the next steps for its educational initiatives. Carvalho’s exit underscores the challenges faced by school officials in balancing innovation with accountability, especially as the probe delves deeper into the district’s financial decisions and partnerships.