Alberto Carvalho resigned as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District today in Los Angeles amid an ongoing federal probe and months after FBI searches of his home and district offices. The move followed his placement on paid administrative leave and arrives as the district tries to stabilize leadership during a sensitive period for students and staff.
The decision matters for the nation’s second-largest school system, which serves nearly 400,000 students and is navigating declining enrollment, budget pressures, and labor negotiations. The resignation also intersects with scrutiny over a collapsed AI chatbot contract and raises questions about procurement oversight and continuity in district strategy.
February FBI searches and board action
Federal agents executed court-authorized searches of Carvalho’s home and LAUSD premises in late February, including on February 25, as part of a wider inquiry. Two days later, on February 27, the Board of Education voted unanimously to place him on paid leave pending the outcome and named Andrés Chait as acting superintendent, a role he continues to hold while trustees evaluate next steps.
Carvalho’s resignation letter emphasized minimizing disruption: “Placing students first has always guided my work… I am resigning as Superintendent of LAUSD effective today.” In an earlier statement, his legal team asserted his conduct was appropriate and urged a prompt return, while federal authorities have not publicly detailed the investigation’s scope. The district has not clarified whether ongoing reviews are federal, internal, or both.
Contract at the center: AllHere and the ‘Ed’ chatbot
The probe is linked to district contracts, including a 2026 deal with AllHere to develop the “Ed” AI assistant for students and families. LAUSD paid approximately $3 million for the tool and terminated the agreement about three months later after the vendor’s collapse into bankruptcy. The company’s founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin was subsequently charged with securities and wire fraud, as well as identity theft, in a separate criminal case.
Investigators also examined a Florida property associated with a company tied to the AI effort, underscoring the cross-jurisdictional nature of the case. While Carvalho did not address investigative specifics in his letter, he wrote to students, families, teachers, and staff that “It has been a great honor to serve you,” focusing on academic progress rather than the allegations surrounding procurement.
Leadership transition and district challenges
Chait, who has been guiding day-to-day operations since late February, has led talks with labor unions and advanced a reduction-in-force plan as LAUSD confronts resource constraints. The board may discuss permanent leadership at its next meeting this Wednesday, as the administration seeks to maintain momentum on testing gains, attendance initiatives, and capital projects.
Carvalho, who took the helm in 2026 after leading Miami’s schools, cited advances in state test scores, a record graduation rate, and stronger performance in Advanced Placement coursework during his tenure. He championed campaigns to reduce absenteeism and prevent fentanyl overdoses, and supported a roughly $9 billion facilities bond for infrastructure improvements. His period in office also saw a major cyberattack, scrutiny over arts education spending, and the failed AI initiative that has become central to the current probe.
Unanswered questions remain regarding the status and scope of the federal investigation, potential findings on contract oversight, and any implications for district personnel or vendors. LAUSD officials have reiterated their focus on continuity of instruction and safeguarding public trust as the search for a permanent superintendent proceeds. Last updated: 22 June 2026.
