LA School Board Convenes Behind Closed Doors Following FBI Raids
The governing board of the Los Angeles Unified School District has scheduled a confidential meeting to address the situation surrounding Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. This emergency session follows coordinated FBI searches at Carvalho's private residence and the district's central administrative offices on Wednesday.
Federal Investigation Engulfs Nation's Second-Largest School District
Federal authorities executed search warrants at multiple locations, including Carvalho's home and the LAUSD headquarters, though the precise nature of the investigation remains undisclosed. A third property near Miami, Florida, was also searched by FBI agents. The Miami Herald identified this location as belonging to Debra Kerr, who previously collaborated with AllHere, an education technology company that secured a contract with Los Angeles schools before its dramatic collapse.
The district issued a brief statement confirming cooperation with investigators while emphasizing that no additional information is currently available. The Board of Education's official calendar lists a special afternoon session specifically concerning Carvalho, though detailed agenda items have not been made public.
Controversial AI Chatbot Deal Under Scrutiny
In 2024, Carvalho championed a $3 million agreement with AllHere to implement an artificial intelligence chatbot named "Ed," which he publicly hailed as transformative technology for student support. The district terminated its relationship with AllHere approximately three months after deploying the technology and making payment. The company subsequently filed for bankruptcy, and its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, faced criminal charges including securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft.
Carvalho has denied any personal involvement in selecting AllHere for the contract. Following Smith-Griffin's indictment, he announced plans to establish a task force to examine the failures of the LAUSD project, though no subsequent updates have been provided to the public.
Superintendent's Distinguished Career and Recent Challenges
Over his five-year tenure in Los Angeles, Carvalho has received widespread praise for improving academic performance across the district. His educational leadership previously earned him national recognition, including being named Superintendent of the Year in 2014 while overseeing Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The Portugal-born administrator was knighted by Spain in 2021 for expanding Spanish-language programs in Florida schools.
Carvalho arrived in Los Angeles during a critical period marked by substantial pandemic relief funding but persistent challenges including learning loss and declining enrollment. He has been an outspoken critic of aggressive immigration enforcement policies and previously clashed with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over pandemic mask mandates in schools.
The Miami-Dade school system acknowledged awareness of the investigation involving their former superintendent but declined further comment. FBI officials in Miami confirmed executing a search warrant at a residence in Southwest Ranches, Broward County, though specific details regarding the investigation's scope remain confidential.
