Los Angeles school superintendent placed on paid leave in federal probe

Los Angeles School Superintendent Placed on Paid Leave Amid Federal Investigation

Alberto Carvalho, the leader of Los Angeles Unified School District, was placed on administrative leave on Friday, following FBI searches at his residence and the district’s central office two days prior. The federal inquiry, which targets the district’s operations, has not yet disclosed the specifics of the probe, nor has it levied any accusations against Carvalho. The school board, after private deliberations, unanimously approved the leave to safeguard the district’s educational initiatives. Acting superintendent Andres Chait emphasized the board’s intent to maintain stability during the investigation.

“Our commitment remains steadfast: ensuring uninterrupted operations and reliable leadership for students, families, and staff,” Chait stated in a formal release.

Carvalho, who assumed his role in 2022, previously managed public education in Miami. His tenure in Florida was marked by praise, including a 2014 award from the National Superintendents Association. The district also noted his recognition by Spain in 2021 for expanding Spanish-language programs in Miami-Dade County. However, his arrival in California coincided with his critique of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, especially after pandemic-related raids in Los Angeles.

Despite recent accolades, the district’s decision to suspend Carvalho came as it faced challenges from the pandemic, including learning setbacks and reduced enrollment. The move follows a significant financial commitment to AllHere, an education tech firm, where Carvalho championed an AI chatbot named “Ed” in 2024. The district paid the company $3 million before severing ties as it collapsed into bankruptcy. Founder Joanna Smith-Griffin was later indicted for fraud.

Meanwhile, Debra Kerr, an education tech liaison, is linked to the AllHere deal. According to The 74, Kerr was not reimbursed her $630,000 commission for closing the contract. The organization noted her longstanding relationship with Carvalho from his time in Miami and revealed that her son, who worked at AllHere, presented the technology to Los Angeles officials after Carvalho took over the district. The Associated Press could not confirm Kerr’s response to the matter.

Although Carvalho denied personal involvement in selecting AllHere, the district has not publicly shared details about its internal review of the project since Smith-Griffin’s indictment. The FBI’s search of a Miami property tied to Kerr coincided with the broader federal probe, raising questions about potential connections between the district’s decisions and external interests.

Carvalho’s leadership in Florida also included a clash with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis over mask mandates during the pandemic. The district’s recent focus on leveraging state and federal pandemic relief funds has now shifted as it navigates this scrutiny.