Los Angeles School Superintendent Placed on Paid Leave During Federal Probe

Authorities have not accused Alberto Carvalho of wrongdoing, but the FBI searched his home and district headquarters.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Los Angeles schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho was put on paid leave on Friday, two days after the FBI served search warrants at his home and the district's headquarters. Authorities have not provided details of the nature of the investigation involving the nation's second-largest school district, which serves more than 500,000 students, nor have they accused Carvalho of any wrongdoing.

Why it matters

The investigation into Carvalho and the Los Angeles Unified School District comes at a critical time, as the district is dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including learning losses and declining enrollment, while also managing an influx of state and federal relief funding.

The details

The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education unanimously voted to place Carvalho on leave pending the outcome of the investigation after two days of deliberation behind closed doors. Andres Chait, the chief of school operations, will take over the helm while Carvalho is on leave. 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 24, 2026, the FBI served search warrants at Carvalho's home and the district's headquarters.
  • On February 26, 2026, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education unanimously voted to place Carvalho on paid leave.

The players

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, who was placed on paid leave during a federal investigation.

Andres Chait

The chief of school operations for the Los Angeles Unified School District, who will take over the helm while Carvalho is on leave.

Debra Kerr

A former employee of AllHere, an education technology company that had a contract with the Los Angeles schools before it collapsed and its leader was indicted for fraud.

Joanna Smith-Griffin

The founder of AllHere, who was charged with securities and wire fraud, along with identity theft.

Los Angeles Unified School District

The nation's second-largest school district, which serves more than 500,000 students.

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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, Chief of School Operations, Los Angeles Unified School District (wral.com)

What’s next

The school district said it is cooperating with the investigation and does not have further information at this time.

The takeaway

The investigation into Carvalho and the Los Angeles Unified School District raises questions about the district's leadership and management, particularly in the wake of the AllHere technology contract and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student learning and enrollment.