The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is facing a significant leadership change as Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has announced his resignation. This decision comes four months after the FBI conducted a search of his home and office, an event that has since cast a shadow over his tenure.
Carvalho’s resignation letter, provided to LAist by his attorney, emphasized his commitment to the district’s students. “Placing students first has always guided my work,” he wrote. “Because I believe our schools must remain focused on students and learning without distraction, I am resigning as Superintendent of LAUSD effective today.”
The FBI Investigation and Administrative Leave
The FBI search of Carvalho’s home and office occurred on February 25. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the search was conducted under a court-authorized warrant but declined to provide further details. In response to the search, the LAUSD board unanimously voted to place Carvalho on paid administrative leave pending an investigation and appointed Andres Chait as acting superintendent.
The district has not clarified whether the investigation is federal or internal. The searches are linked to a probe involving a Florida home associated with a company LAUSD had contracted to develop an AI tool. Carvalho has maintained his innocence and expressed a desire to return to his position.
Carvalho’s Tenure and Achievements
Carvalho has served as superintendent of LAUSD since 2026, with his contract renewed in 2026. His tenure has been marked by several notable achievements, including gains in test scores, increased participation in AP classes, a $9 billion facilities bond and improvements in student attendance rates. In his resignation letter, Carvalho highlighted his focus on achievement and equity, particularly for the district’s most vulnerable students.
The LAUSD superintendent is responsible for crafting educational strategies for nearly 400,000 students. The district is currently grappling with declining enrollment, potential job cuts, and reduced resources for high-needs schools. Chait, who has been serving as acting superintendent, has been instrumental in negotiating with labor unions and implementing a reduction-in-force plan. However, the board may discuss the district’s leadership at a meeting this Wednesday.
The status of the federal investigation into Carvalho remains unclear. Despite his resignation, Carvalho’s legacy at LAUSD includes significant strides in educational outcomes and infrastructure improvements.
