Los Angeles School Superintendent Placed on Paid Leave Amid Federal Probe

Alberto Carvalho under investigation as FBI serves search warrants at his home and district headquarters

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, has been placed on paid leave by the school board amid a federal investigation. The FBI served search warrants at Carvalho's home and the district's headquarters, but authorities have not disclosed details of the nature of the investigation or accused Carvalho of any wrongdoing.

Why it matters

Carvalho is a high-profile figure in the education world, having previously led the Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida and receiving national recognition. His placement on leave raises questions about the integrity of the Los Angeles school district's leadership and operations at a critical time as it grapples with pandemic-related challenges.

The details

The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education unanimously voted to place Carvalho on leave pending the outcome of the federal investigation. Andres Chait, the chief of school operations, was named acting superintendent. The FBI also searched a third location near Miami that belonged to Debra Kerr, who previously worked with AllHere, an education technology company that had a contract with Los Angeles schools before it collapsed and its leader was indicted for fraud.

  • On February 26, 2026, the FBI served search warrants at Carvalho's home and the district's headquarters.
  • On February 28, 2026, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education placed Carvalho on paid leave.

The players

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second-largest school district, who has been placed on paid leave amid a federal investigation.

Andres Chait

The chief of school operations for the Los Angeles Unified School District, who was named acting superintendent after Carvalho was placed on leave.

Debra Kerr

A former employee of AllHere, an education technology company that had a contract with the Los Angeles school district before it collapsed and its leader was indicted for fraud. The FBI searched a property near Miami that belonged to Kerr.

Joanna Smith-Griffin

The founder of AllHere, an education technology company that had a contract with the Los Angeles school district, who was indicted for securities and wire fraud, as well as identity theft.

Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education

The governing body of the Los Angeles Unified School District, which unanimously voted to place Carvalho on paid leave pending the outcome of the federal investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Our focus remains clear: to ensure stability, continuity, and strong leadership for our students, families, and employees.”

— Andres Chait, Acting Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Carvalho to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This investigation raises concerns about the integrity of the Los Angeles Unified School District's leadership and operations, particularly regarding its handling of education technology contracts and partnerships. The outcome of the federal probe will be closely watched as it could have significant implications for the district's future direction and public trust.