Alberto Carvalho has resigned as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) effective June 21, 2026, after nearly four months on paid leave amid an ongoing federal investigation. Carvalho, 61, led the nation’s second-largest school system since 2022, overseeing roughly 520,000 students. His departure follows FBI raids in late February at his Los Angeles home, LAUSD headquarters, and a property in Florida linked to the inquiry, which centers on allegations of fraud and corruption involving an education technology company.

In a resignation letter addressed to the LAUSD community, Carvalho highlighted what he described as "historic progress" during his four-year tenure, citing improvements in state test scores, graduation rates, and equity measures benefiting low-income and minority students. He said he was stepping down to avoid becoming a “distraction,” emphasizing that “placing students first has always guided my work.” Carvalho made no direct reference to the FBI investigation.

The probe involves Carvalho’s interactions with contractors, notably the failed partnership with AllHere, a company that developed an AI chatbot named “Ed” to assist students. LAUSD invested approximately $3 million in the initiative before AllHere collapsed into bankruptcy. The company’s founder was charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft, but Carvalho has not been implicated or charged. The FBI raid in Florida targeted Debra Kerr, a sales consultant associated with AllHere and known to Carvalho. Officials have said the district is cooperating fully with investigators, and no evidence has been publicly presented linking Carvalho to criminal wrongdoing.

Carvalho’s tenure included notable achievements that drew praise from education experts and local officials, including a boost in academic performance after pandemic setbacks and the approval of major school modernization bonds. He was also recognized for advocacy on behalf of immigrant families, creating “safe zones” to protect students from immigration enforcement actions and publicly criticizing federal immigration policies. Before joining LAUSD, Carvalho was the long-serving superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

However, his time in Los Angeles also saw significant challenges. The district faces a looming budget deficit estimated at nearly $200 million, declining enrollment, and mixed academic results, with just 43.6% of third-graders reading at grade level and fewer than 37% meeting math standards. These struggles have spurred criticism from union leaders, education advocates, and some political figures. Republicans, including California Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Sonja Shaw, questioned the timing of the resignation and called for greater accountability and transparency within LAUSD.

Since Carvalho’s paid leave began in February, veteran administrator Andrés Chait has served as acting superintendent, a role the district’s Board of Education said would continue until a permanent leader is selected. The LAUSD board reaffirmed its commitment to stability and continued progress for students and staff following Carvalho’s resignation.

The federal investigation into the district remains active, with multiple probes examining issues such as racial equity programs and allegations of teacher misconduct. District officials have defended existing policies and restored funding to programs under review.

Carvalho’s resignation marks an abrupt end to a tenure characterized by both high-profile accomplishments and significant controversies, as LAUSD faces ongoing financial and operational challenges under heightened federal scrutiny.