LA Schools Chief Denies Wrongdoing Amid FBI Probe

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho of Los Angeles public schools, currently on paid leave, has publicly denied any wrongdoing amid a federal investigation. The FBI conducted searches at his residence and the district's headquarters on February 25, 2026. Two days later, the LA Unified School District board unanimously voted to place him on leave.

A statement released on March 10, 2026, expressed Carvalho's confidence that evidence will show he acted appropriately. The district, serving over 500,000 students, has not had the specifics of the investigation detailed by authorities, nor have any crimes been accused.

The probe appears to extend to a property near Miami previously linked to Debra Kerr, who had ties to AllHere, an education technology firm. This company had a contract with Los Angeles schools before its collapse and its leader's indictment for fraud.

Carvalho had previously promoted a deal with AllHere for an AI chatbot. Despite an initial payment of $3 million, the district ended its dealings with the company about three months later. The company's founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was later charged with securities and wire fraud, and identity theft.

Carvalho, who became LA superintendent in 2022 after leading Miami public schools, had previously denied personal involvement in selecting AllHere. The recent statement marks his first public comment since the searches last month. The school board stated its decision to place him on leave was to minimize disruption, with chief of school operations Andres Chait named acting superintendent.