FBI Searches Home of LA Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho

Carvalho, known for improving academics and graduation rates, faces federal investigation

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who has a reputation for improving academics and graduation rates in major U.S. districts, had his home searched by the FBI on Wednesday as part of a federal investigation. Authorities have not provided details on what they are investigating.

Why it matters

Carvalho's tenure as superintendent in Los Angeles has been marked by academic improvements, especially among minority students, though he has also faced some controversies related to his administration's decisions and dealings. The FBI investigation raises questions about potential misconduct or abuse of power within the nation's second-largest school district.

The details

Agents served search warrants at Carvalho's home, the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters, and a location near Miami, where Carvalho was previously superintendent. Carvalho, who was born in Portugal and came to the U.S. as a teenager without legal status, has been praised for boosting graduation rates and academic performance during his tenures in Miami-Dade County and Los Angeles. However, he has also faced questions about a nonprofit he founded soliciting a large donation from an education company the district planned to use, as well as the district's failed $3 million deal with an AI chatbot company that later collapsed amid fraud charges.

  • On February 25, 2026, the FBI executed search warrants at Carvalho's home, the LAUSD headquarters, and a location near Miami.
  • Carvalho has served as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District since 2021.

The players

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, known for improving academics and graduation rates in major U.S. school districts.

Los Angeles Unified School District

The second-largest school district in the United States, with around 500,000 students, including many immigrants and undocumented students.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are appealing to the better senses of those who have the power to eliminate trauma from the streets of our community.”

— Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent (Instagram)

What’s next

Authorities have not provided details on the focus of the federal investigation, but it is expected that more information will be released as the probe continues.

The takeaway

The FBI investigation into Superintendent Carvalho raises concerns about potential misconduct or abuse of power within the Los Angeles Unified School District, even as Carvalho has been praised for academic improvements under his leadership. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the district and its students.