The FBI has launched an investigation into Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), following recent raids on his home and office. This inquiry originated more than a year ago, triggered by a referral from prosecutors in New York who were investigating fraud connected to a technology firm with a contract in the school district. The details of this investigation only became public last week.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the investigation involves grand jury subpoenas issued to individuals associated with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where Carvalho served as superintendent before his appointment in Los Angeles in 2022. The subpoenas seek records from the district’s inspector general and the former Foundation for New Education Initiatives, a nonprofit organization Carvalho oversaw while in Miami. This foundation is now known as the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Foundation.
In 2020, Miami-Dade schools’ inspector general concluded that a donation of $1.57 million secured by Carvalho for the foundation did not violate state or district ethics policies but created an appearance of impropriety. Neither the Miami-Dade County School District nor the foundation’s leadership responded to immediate requests for comment.
While federal authorities have not publicly identified specific targets in the investigation, sources indicate it is connected to AllHere, a company that developed a chatbot intended for LAUSD. The chatbot, branded as “Ed,” was promoted by Carvalho in August 2024 as a revolutionary educational tool. However, it was never fully deployed, and at least one individual linked to AllHere is cooperating with federal prosecutors.
Joanna Smith-Griffin, the founder and former CEO of AllHere, was arrested in March 2024 and faces charges of securities fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors allege she fraudulently obtained nearly $10 million from investors and misused funds for personal expenses, including a $150,000 down payment on a house in North Carolina. Smith-Griffin has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the FBI’s raid, the LAUSD school board convened for three closed-door meetings to address the implications of these developments, which have impacted one of the country’s most prominent K-12 education leaders. On Friday, the board voted unanimously to place Carvalho on indefinite leave and appointed senior administrator Andres Chait as acting superintendent.
In his initial remarks, Chait emphasized the importance of continuity and a focus on students. He stated, “As acting superintendent, my top priority is to keep Los Angeles Unified steady and focused on our core mission: educating, supporting, and caring for the students of Los Angeles.” He also assured that teaching and learning would continue uninterrupted.
Chait’s appointment has generally been well received, with local education advocacy group GPSN expressing confidence in his experience and commitment to the district. However, some parent activists raised concerns regarding school safety issues, suggesting that Chait had not adequately managed these concerns in his previous role as chief of operations.
The LAUSD has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly regarding its relationship with school police. Following cuts in June 2020, the school board reduced the presence of police on campuses, which some parents now want to reverse.
As the LAUSD grapples with uncertainty surrounding Carvalho’s future, Chait’s interim leadership represents a critical moment for the district. He has vowed to maintain stability and uphold the district’s values as the investigation unfolds.
