The FBI served search warrants Wednesday at the headquarters of the Los Angeles Unified School District and at the home of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, a former Superintendent of the Year who was knighted by Spain.
Investigation Details Remain Sealed
Federal officials have not released details regarding the nature of the investigation. The Los Angeles Unified School District stated it is cooperating with authorities and currently has no further information to share. FBI spokesperson Rukelt Dalberis confirmed the warrants were served but declined to comment further, citing sealed affidavits.
Previous Scrutiny in Both Districts
While Carvalho has received praise for improvements in academic performance in both Los Angeles and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, both districts have faced scrutiny during his tenure. He was named Superintendent of the Year in 2014 while leading the Florida district.
In 2024, Carvalho promoted an AI chatbot, “Ed,” developed by the company AllHere, calling it “a game changer.” However, the district ended its relationship with AllHere less than three months later after the company filed for bankruptcy. The founder of AllHere, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was subsequently charged with securities and wire fraud, as well as identity theft.
Carvalho stated he was not personally involved in selecting AllHere and, following Smith-Griffin’s indictment, indicated he would form a task force to review the project. No announcements regarding the formation of this task force have been made.
Prior to his role in Los Angeles, Carvalho faced scrutiny in Florida in 2020 when a nonprofit he founded received a $1.57 million donation from an online education company the district later decided not to use. While the donation did not violate ethics policies, the district’s inspector general found it created the “appearance of impropriety” and recommended it be returned. The nonprofit instead distributed the funds to teachers as gift cards.
The FBI also searched a location near Miami, where Carvalho previously served as superintendent. Agents have since “cleared the scene” at a residence in Southwest Ranches, Florida, according to FBI spokesperson James Marshall.
This action by the Justice Department comes less than a week after another involving the LA school district, as the Trump administration joined a lawsuit on February 19 alleging discrimination against white students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the FBI searches?
Federal officials have not provided details regarding the nature of the investigation. Affidavits supporting the search warrants are currently sealed.
Has Alberto Carvalho responded to the searches?
The Los Angeles Unified School District released a statement indicating its cooperation with the investigation. Carvalho, according to the Los Angeles Times, previously denied personal involvement in the selection of AllHere.
Was this the first time Carvalho’s leadership has been questioned?
Both the Los Angeles Unified School District and Miami-Dade County Public Schools faced scrutiny during Carvalho’s tenure regarding contracts, and donations.
As the investigation unfolds, will the focus remain on financial dealings, or will other aspects of the district’s operations come under scrutiny?