Former Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho submitted his resignation on Sunday, June 21st. In February, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on the district’s office building, Carvalho’s residence in San Pedro, and his property in Miami, Florida. Two days later, the school board decided to place him on paid administrative leave.
On Monday, LAUSD issued a statement confirming the receipt of Carvalho’s resignation, effective as of June 21st. Interim Superintendent Andrés Chait will continue in his role until a final decision is made.
“The board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring stability, continuity, and ongoing progress through strong leadership,” the statement said. “Our focus remains unchanged: providing high-quality education for every student, supporting dedicated staff, and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve.”
The FBI has remained silent on the search of Carvalho’s residence and office, and he has not faced any criminal charges at present. Court records show that federal investigators are handling a bankrupt artificial intelligence education technology company, AllHere Education, Inc., which signed a $6 million contract with LAUSD in 2023 to provide a chatbot named “Ed” for the district.
Carvalho introduced the “Ed” chatbot, claiming it would serve as a personal assistant for students and parents, capable of tasks such as tracking student performance and providing educational and mental health counseling. In June 2024, AllHere filed for bankruptcy, leading to the discontinuation of the “Ed” chatbot. By that time, LAUSD had paid the company at least $3 million.
In November 2024, the US Department of Justice Southern District of New York office indicted AllHere’s founder Joanna Smith-Griffin on charges of securities fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and defrauding investors in the company. Smith-Griffin has been arrested. The company’s clients included the New York City Department of Education and several public schools.
Carvalho maintains his innocence in the case and insists that his actions were in the best interest of the students. In his resignation letter, he stated, “Over the past four years, we have made historic progress together—achievements that belong to our students, educators, staff, and the entire community.”
Debra Kerr, a salesperson based in Miami who facilitated the LAUSD’s contract with AllHere, had her residence searched by the FBI in February. She told the court that after negotiating the $6 million deal, she was owed $630,000 in commissions.
Before coming to LAUSD, Carvalho served as Superintendent of Schools in Miami-Dade County, Florida for 14 years. Prior to that, he was the assistant principal and teacher at Miami Jackson Senior High School.