Suspended L.A. Schools Chief Denies Wrongdoing, Hopes to Return

Alberto Carvalho says his actions were appropriate as federal investigation continues.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, has broken his silence after being placed on paid leave following an FBI raid on his home and office. Through his lawyers, Carvalho stated that he has committed no wrongdoing and looks forward to returning to his position, while respecting the ongoing investigative process.

Why it matters

Carvalho's suspension has created uncertainty and instability for the nation's second-largest school district, which is already grappling with budget issues and a threatened teachers' strike. The federal investigation appears to be linked to a troubled tech startup that received a multi-million dollar contract from the district, raising questions about Carvalho's oversight and decision-making.

The details

The FBI raided Carvalho's home and office on February 25, but the search warrants were sealed and the government has not disclosed the nature of the investigation. Carvalho's lawyers stated that 'no evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law.' The investigation seems to be related to a two-year-old criminal probe into a tech startup called AllHere, which was awarded a $6 million contract to develop an AI chatbot for LA schools before collapsing amid fraud charges.

  • On February 25, FBI agents searched Carvalho's home and office.
  • Carvalho was placed on paid leave by the district's board last month.

The players

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District since 2022, who was placed on paid leave following an FBI raid on his home and office.

Debra Kerr

A consultant for the tech startup AllHere, who has been a friend and associate of Carvalho since his time leading the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Joanna Smith-Griffin

The chief executive of the tech startup AllHere, who has been criminally charged but has not yet faced trial.

Andres Chait

The acting superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, who has been meeting with labor leaders to address the district's challenges.

Alex Orozco

A leader of the teachers' union, who criticized the district's spending on tech contracts instead of addressing educators' pay and working conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Alberto Carvalho is a dedicated public servant committed to the students and families of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Mr. Carvalho respects the rule of law and the investigative process and has always acted in the best interests of students and within the bounds of the law.”

— Spokeswoman for Holland & Knight, Law firm representing Carvalho

“A strike is the last resort. Especially at a time when L.A.U.S.D. is already navigating uncertainty, our district does not need additional instability and negative attention. What our members do need, all of us, standing here today, is a fair and equitable contract.”

— Maria Nichols, Leader in a union representing principals and other school administrators

What’s next

The school board will decide whether to reinstate Carvalho as superintendent as the federal investigation continues.

The takeaway

The suspension of the Los Angeles schools chief has raised concerns about the district's leadership and finances, with teachers' unions criticizing the spending on tech contracts instead of addressing educators' needs. The outcome of the federal investigation will have significant implications for the stability and direction of the nation's second-largest school system.