LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of Los Angeles public schools, the nation’s second-largest district, was placed on paid leave Friday, two days after the FBI served search warrants at his home and the district’s headquarters.
Investigation Details
The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education unanimously voted to place Carvalho on leave pending the outcome of the investigation after two days of closed-door deliberation. The FBI also searched a property near Miami on Wednesday.
According to the Miami Herald, the Florida property is linked to Debra Kerr, who previously worked with AllHere, an education technology company. AllHere had a contract with Los Angeles schools before collapsing and its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was indicted for fraud.
Carvalho denied personal involvement in the selection of AllHere, according to the Los Angeles Times. He had announced plans to form a task force to examine the district’s dealings with the company after Smith-Griffin’s indictment, but no public announcements about the task force have been made.
Kerr reportedly was never paid a $630,000 commission for her function in securing the AllHere deal with the LA district, according to The 74, which covered the company’s bankruptcy hearings.
Reports indicate Kerr has longstanding ties to Carvalho from his time overseeing the Florida school district, and that her son, who worked for AllHere, pitched the technology to LA school leaders.
Carvalho’s Background and Current Situation
Carvalho became superintendent in 2022, having previously led the public schools in Miami. Andres Chait, the chief of school operations, will serve as superintendent during Carvalho’s leave, according to the district.
Chait stated, “Our focus remains clear: to ensure stability, continuity, and strong leadership for our students, families, and employees.”
Carvalho has not responded to requests for comment. The school district released a statement Wednesday saying it “is cooperating with the investigation and we do not have further information at this time.”
Carvalho has received praise for improvements to academic performance in both Los Angeles and Miami-Dade County, Florida, where he was named Superintendent of the Year in 2014. He was also knighted by Spain in 2021 for his work expanding Spanish-language programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the FBI serve the search warrants?
The FBI served search warrants at Carvalho’s home and the district’s headquarters on Wednesday.
Who is AllHere?
AllHere is an education technology company that had a contract with Los Angeles schools before it collapsed and its founder was indicted for fraud.
Who is currently leading the Los Angeles Unified School District?
Andres Chait, the chief of school operations, is serving as superintendent while Carvalho is on leave.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what impact these events will have on the Los Angeles Unified School District and its leadership.
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