LAUSD Superintendent Evaluation Deepens Leadership Crisis

New Acting Superintendent Andres Chait Tries to Steady the District Amid Ongoing Turmoil

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Los Angeles Unified School District's leadership crisis took a dramatic turn as the school board held a closed-door meeting to evaluate the performance of newly installed Acting Superintendent Andres Chait. This comes after the board voted to place Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. Chait attempted to project calm and continuity, but parents expressed concerns about safety, accountability and transparency as the district faces one of its biggest crises.

Why it matters

The LAUSD, the second-largest school district in the U.S., is in the midst of a major leadership shakeup that is causing uncertainty and unease among students, parents and staff. The closed-door evaluation of Chait's performance as acting superintendent will likely determine whether his role becomes permanent or temporary, with significant implications for the district's stability and direction.

The details

The LAUSD school board convened a special closed-door meeting to evaluate the performance of Andres Chait, who was installed as acting superintendent last week after the board voted to place Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on paid administrative leave. Chait opened the meeting with measured remarks aimed at reassuring the community that schools would remain safe and focused on teaching and learning despite the leadership transition. However, parents expressed concerns about the ambiguity around the agenda item for Chait's 'evaluation,' questioning which superintendent was actually being evaluated. The board eventually went into closed session to discuss Chait's contract and performance, a decision that could determine the long-term stability of the district's leadership.

  • On Friday, the LAUSD school board voted unanimously to place Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on paid administrative leave pending investigation.
  • On Monday, the LAUSD school board held a special closed-door meeting to evaluate the performance of Acting Superintendent Andres Chait.

The players

Andres Chait

The newly installed acting superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, tasked with providing steady leadership during a period of crisis and uncertainty.

Alberto Carvalho

The former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, who was placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation.

Scott Schmerelson

The president of the LAUSD school board, who framed Chait's appointment as acting superintendent as necessary to keep classrooms focused on learning 'without distraction.'

Maria Palma

A parent safety advocate who questioned the ambiguity around which superintendent was being evaluated during the closed-door meeting.

Michael McLean

The executive officer of the LAUSD Board of Education, who clarified that the evaluation was for Chait, not Carvalho.

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What they’re saying

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

— Andres Chait, Acting Superintendent

“You're going to talk about superintendent evaluation — but which superintendent?”

— Maria Palma, Parent safety advocate

“Are you going to empower him to do his job? Which one of you is going to take responsibility?”

— Unidentified speaker

What’s next

The LAUSD school board will reconvene to address Chait's evaluation and contract, decisions that could determine whether his role remains temporary or becomes more permanent.

The takeaway

The LAUSD's leadership crisis has deepened, with the school board's closed-door evaluation of Acting Superintendent Andres Chait adding to the uncertainty and unease within the district. The outcome of Chait's evaluation will be crucial in determining the long-term stability and direction of the nation's second-largest school system.