LAUSD Faces Backlash for Closed-Door Meetings After Carvalho Raid

Critics accuse district leadership of prioritizing politics over students and keeping parents in the dark

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has come under fire for holding secret, closed-door meetings in the wake of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho being placed on leave following an FBI raid on his home. Critics, including Sonja Shaw of the Chino Valley Unified School District, have accused LAUSD leadership of shielding Carvalho and protecting insiders rather than prioritizing transparency and student success.

Why it matters

The secrecy surrounding LAUSD's handling of the Carvalho situation has raised concerns about the district's commitment to accountability and putting students first. With more than half of LAUSD students unable to read or write at grade level, critics argue the district should be focused on improving academic outcomes rather than protecting its leadership.

The details

On Monday, LAUSD leadership held a closed-door meeting just days after Carvalho was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. Acting Superintendent Andres Chait attempted to reassure the public, but critics like Shaw say that was not enough. Shaw, a candidate for California State Superintendent, blasted the LAUSD school board for 'shielding Carvalho despite a documented history of problems' and keeping families 'in the dark' about the district's actions.

  • On Friday, the LAUSD school board voted unanimously to place Carvalho on paid administrative leave pending investigation.
  • On Monday, the LAUSD school board held a closed-door meeting to discuss 'Personnel — Public Employment — Superintendent's Evaluation — General Superintendent of Schools.'

The players

Sonja Shaw

The president of the Chino Valley Unified School District school board and a candidate for California State Superintendent, who has criticized LAUSD's handling of the Carvalho situation.

Alberto Carvalho

The former LAUSD superintendent who was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation following an FBI raid on his home.

Andres Chait

The newly-installed acting superintendent of LAUSD, who attempted to reassure the public about the district's focus on its 'core mission' following Carvalho's leave.

Scott Schmerelson

The president of the LAUSD school board, who immediately installed Chait as acting superintendent after the board voted to place Carvalho on leave.

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What they’re saying

“How many times do families have to watch adults protect politics over children?”

— Sonja Shaw, Chino Valley Unified School District Board member (The Post)

“The Los Angeles Unified School District School Board has the authority to act immediately when leadership becomes a liability to student success. Yet they continue to shield Carvalho despite a documented history of problems in previous districts and serious investigations raising red flags now.”

— Sonja Shaw, Chino Valley Unified School District Board member (The Post)

“As acting superintendent, my top priority is to keep Los Angeles Unified steady and focused on our core mission.”

— Andres Chait, Acting Superintendent, LAUSD (N/A)

What’s next

The LAUSD school board is expected to decide on Tuesday whether to allow Carvalho to be released on bail pending the investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between transparency and political interests within the LAUSD system, raising questions about the district's commitment to putting students first and restoring public trust amidst concerns over academic performance and leadership accountability.