Los Angeles School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho Denies Wrongdoing and Asks for His Job Back During Federal Probe
The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District is pushing back against allegations tied to a federal investigation, saying he has done nothing wrong and asking the school board to restore him to his position.
Alberto Carvalho released a statement Wednesday denying any misconduct after being placed on paid administrative leave. The statement was issued by a spokesperson and distributed by the law firm Holland and Knight, which is representing him.
“Mr. Carvalho remains confident that the evidence will ultimately demonstrate that he acted appropriately and in the best interests of students,” the statement said. “We hope the school board reinstates him promptly to his position as superintendent.”
The Los Angeles Unified School District serves more than 500,000 students, making it the second largest school district in the United States.
FBI Searches Prompt School Board Leave Decision
The controversy began Feb. 25 when the FBI executed search warrants at Carvalho’s home and at the district’s headquarters.
Two days later, the Los Angeles Board of Education voted unanimously to place Carvalho on leave while federal authorities conduct their investigation.
Officials have not said what specifically investigators are examining, and no criminal charges have been filed against the superintendent.
District leaders said placing Carvalho on leave was meant to prevent disruptions to daily school operations while the investigation continues.
Andres Chait, the district’s chief of school operations, was appointed acting superintendent.
Investigation Tied to Education Technology Company
The federal investigation appears connected to an education technology company that previously held a contract with the district.
In 2024, Carvalho promoted a partnership with AllHere, a company that developed an artificial intelligence chatbot called “Ed.” The chatbot was designed to help students access information and support services.
The district paid the company $3 million before ending the partnership roughly three months after the technology launched.
AllHere later filed for bankruptcy. Its founder, Joanna Smith Griffin, was subsequently charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft.
The FBI also searched a third location near Miami connected to Debra Kerr, who previously worked with AllHere.
Carvalho Says He Followed the Law
Carvalho has said he had no personal role in selecting the company for the district’s technology initiative.
His latest statement emphasized that he respects the legal process and believes the investigation will ultimately clear him.
“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,” the statement said.
“While the government’s investigation remains ongoing, no evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law.”
District Cooperation Continues
Following the FBI search of its headquarters, the Los Angeles Unified School District confirmed it is cooperating with federal investigators.
District officials said they do not have additional information about the probe.
Carvalho has led the Los Angeles school system since 2022 after previously serving as superintendent of Miami Dade County Public Schools.
