LA School Chief Seeks Reinstatement Amid Federal Investigation

Alberto Carvalho, superintendent of Los Angeles public schools, has publicly denied any wrongdoing and requested reinstatement following FBI searches of his home and district offices. The federal probe appears connected to a failed $3 million contract with an AI education company whose founder was later charged with fraud.

The head of Los Angeles public schools, currently on paid administrative leave while federal agents investigate, issued his first public statement Wednesday proclaiming his innocence and requesting immediate reinstatement to his position.

Alberto Carvalho has been away from his duties since late February when FBI agents executed search warrants at his residence and the school district’s main offices on February 25th. The district’s Board of Education voted without opposition two days following the searches to temporarily remove him while the investigation continues.

“Mr. Carvalho remains confident that the evidence will ultimately demonstrate that he acted appropriately and in the best interests of students,” said the statement, attributed to a spokesperson and distributed by Holland & Knight, the law firm representing him. “We hope the school board reinstates him promptly to his position as superintendent.”

Federal investigators have not revealed specific details about what they’re examining in the district that educates over 500,000 students, and no criminal charges have been filed against Carvalho.

The FBI investigation also included a search of property near Miami, Florida. According to the Miami Herald, that location was connected to Debra Kerr, who had previously been employed by AllHere, an educational technology firm that had business dealings with the Los Angeles school system before the company failed and its chief executive faced fraud charges.

During 2024, Carvalho actively promoted a partnership with AllHere for an artificial intelligence chatbot called “Ed” that was supposed to assist students. However, approximately three months after introducing the technology and paying AllHere $3 million, the district terminated its relationship with the company, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy. Later, company founder Joanna Smith-Griffin faced charges including securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Carvalho previously denied having personal involvement in choosing AllHere as a vendor. Wednesday’s statement marked his first public comments 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 said. “While the government’s investigation remains ongoing, no evidence has been presented by prosecutors supporting any allegation that Mr. Carvalho violated federal law.”

After the search of district headquarters, LA Unified officials stated they were providing full cooperation to investigators and had no additional information to share.

Board members explained their decision to place Carvalho on leave was designed to prevent any interference with their primary goal of educating students. Andres Chait, who serves as chief of school operations, has been appointed to serve as acting superintendent during this period.

Carvalho took over leadership of the LA school system in 2022, coming from his previous role heading Miami’s public school district.