The superintendent of Los Angeles public schools, currently suspended on paid leave during a federal investigation, has publicly declared his innocence and demanded immediate reinstatement to lead the nation's second-largest educational district.
Federal Investigation and Search Warrants
Federal agents executed search warrants on February 25th at Alberto Carvalho's personal residence and the Los Angeles Unified School District's central headquarters. Just two days later, the Board of Education voted unanimously to place him on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Statement from Legal Team
"Mr. Carvalho remains confident that the evidence will ultimately demonstrate that he acted appropriately and in the best interests of students," stated a spokesperson from his law firm, Holland & Knight. "We hope the school board reinstates him promptly to his position as superintendent."
Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the nature of the investigation, nor have they formally accused Carvalho of any criminal activities. However, the FBI also conducted a search at a third location near Miami, reportedly belonging to Debra Kerr, who was previously associated with the education technology company AllHere.
Connection to Education Technology Company
In 2024, Carvalho championed a $3 million contract with AllHere for an artificial intelligence chatbot named "Ed" designed to assist students. The Los Angeles school district later terminated its relationship with the company, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection.
Months after the contract termination, AllHere founder Joanna Smith-Griffin faced criminal charges including securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft. Carvalho had previously denied any personal involvement in the selection process of AllHere as a vendor for the district.
First Public Comments Since Searches
Wednesday's statement marked Carvalho's first public remarks since the February searches occurred. "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," the statement affirmed. "While the government's investigation remains ongoing, no evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law."
District Response and Leadership Changes
The Los Angeles Unified School District has confirmed its full cooperation with federal investigators. The school board cited the need to minimize disruption to student education as the primary reason for placing Carvalho on leave, appointing Andres Chait as acting superintendent during this interim period.
Carvalho assumed leadership of Los Angeles public schools in 2022 after previously serving as superintendent of Miami's public school system. His suspension comes at a critical time for the massive district, which serves hundreds of thousands of students across the greater Los Angeles area.
