LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has announced his resignation.
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has stepped down from his position amidst an ongoing FBI investigation connected to a troubled AI chatbot initiative. The LAUSD Board of Education formally acknowledged Carvalho’s resignation on Sunday night, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining stability and effective leadership within the second-largest school district in the United States.
Carvalho’s departure adds further complexity to an already challenging environment for LAUSD, as the district grapples with recent labor strikes, looming budget constraints, and increasing parental concerns regarding student safety amidst heightened immigration enforcement. The Board of Education reiterated its dedication to delivering high-quality educational experiences, supporting staff, and upholding community trust following Carvalho’s resignation.
In his resignation letter, Carvalho expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the district over the past four years, highlighting the significant achievements made during his tenure. He stated that the focus must always remain on students and their learning, prompting his decision to resign in light of the ongoing investigation.
Andrés Chait has been appointed as the acting superintendent, a position he will hold while the board contemplates a permanent replacement. Chait’s previous role included overseeing crucial operations within the district, which services over 540,000 students. He has been recognized as a steady administrative force, with an extensive career at LAUSD beginning as a kindergarten teacher. Prior leaders within the organization have pointed to improvements in student attendance and Advanced Placement participation as notable achievements during Carvalho’s administration.
The backdrop of Carvalho’s resignation is the FBI probe into the district’s prior contract with AllHere, an education technology startup responsible for the now-defunct AI chatbot project. Federal agents executed searches at Carvalho’s residences and the district office in February, investigating allegations linked to assertions of financial impropriety. The AI chatbot initiative faced challenges, ultimately becoming inactive following AllHere’s financial collapse in mid-2024.
LAUSD initially engaged in a multi-year contract valued at approximately million with AllHere in 2023, but the financial troubles of the startup raised red flags. Earlier this year, statements released by Carvalho’s legal team posited his innocence amid the investigation, asserting that he acted in the best interests of students.
Public records suggest connections between the ongoing investigation and individuals involved with AllHere, raising questions regarding the nature and implications of LAUSD’s past agreements. Carvalho, who has been with LAUSD since February 2022 and previously served as Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ superintendent, maintained that he had no personal involvement in the contracting process with AllHere.
Chait’s administration will serve as a transitional leadership as the board deliberates future direction amidst this regulatory inquiry. His experience in managing operations and crises positions him as a stabilizing choice in turbulent times for the district. Moving forward, LAUSD aims to reinforce its commitment to education while navigating the complexities of district leadership amid external pressures.
This is a developing story and further updates will be forthcoming.
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