FBI Investigates LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed search warrants on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the residence of its Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho. This development marks a significant moment for the nation’s second-largest school district and raises questions about the ongoing leadership of Carvalho, a former Superintendent of the Year recognized by Spain for his contributions.
Details of the Investigation
Federal officials have remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the investigation. The LAUSD released a statement confirming its cooperation, stating, “We are cooperating with the investigation and we do not have further information at this time.” Agents were also observed searching a location near Miami, Florida, where Carvalho previously served as superintendent. FBI spokesperson Rukelt Dalberis confirmed the warrant executions but declined to provide further details, citing sealed affidavits.
Carvalho’s Tenure and Past Scrutiny
Alberto Carvalho has received accolades for improvements in academic performance during his five years in Los Angeles, mirroring similar praise from his time leading Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In 2014, he was named Superintendent of the Year by the national superintendents association.
However, Carvalho’s leadership hasn’t been without scrutiny. Recent concerns center around a $3 million investment in an AI chatbot, “Ed,” developed by the education technology company AllHere. The district discontinued its relationship with AllHere less than three months after its launch, following the company’s bankruptcy and subsequent fraud charges against its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin. Carvalho maintained he was not directly involved in the selection process, and proposed a task force to investigate the matter – a task force that has yet to be formed.
Past Controversies in Florida
During his tenure in Florida, Carvalho faced questions in 2020 when a nonprofit he founded received a $1.57 million donation from an online education company the district considered but ultimately rejected. While the district’s inspector general found no ethical violations, the donation was deemed to create the “appearance of impropriety” and was redistributed to teachers as gift cards.
A Knighted Leader and Advocate for Immigrant Students
In 2021, Carvalho was knighted by Spain for his efforts in expanding Spanish-language programs within Miami-Dade County schools. Upon arriving in California, he became a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly following raids in Los Angeles. He urged immigration authorities to refrain from enforcement activities near schools, drawing on his own experience as an undocumented immigrant who arrived in the US at age 17.
Navigating Challenges in Los Angeles
Carvalho assumed leadership of LAUSD during a period of significant funding from COVID-19 relief packages, but also amidst ongoing challenges like learning loss and declining enrollment. He previously clashed with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over mask mandates during the pandemic.
Ongoing Developments
The Miami-Dade school system has acknowledged awareness of the investigation but has not offered further comment. The FBI also conducted a search in Southwest Ranches, Florida, related to the investigation. This search comes just a week after the Justice Department took action against LAUSD in a lawsuit alleging discrimination against White students under its desegregation policy. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office stated they have no information regarding the search.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Source: CNN
