A confidential letter sent to Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho prior to his resignation outlined possible grounds for termination related to alleged ethics violations, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his unexpected departure. The letter reportedly accused Carvalho of failing to disclose certain financial benefits on required state forms and raised questions about his conduct, including the acceptance of paid travel and personal use of district resources.
The allegations stem from a broader federal investigation involving AllHere, an education technology company connected to the district. FBI agents searched Carvalho’s home and LAUSD offices approximately four months before his resignation. Soon after the search, the school board placed Carvalho on paid leave. However, at that time, it was not publicly disclosed that the board was actively encouraging him to resign.
According to documents obtained, the letter cited multiple instances where Carvalho allegedly received undisclosed benefits. These included a trip to the White House in August 2023, reportedly funded by AllHere; tickets and possible perks for at least two Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games; and travel to an education conference in Denver. Additionally, the letter raised concerns about Carvalho’s personal use of a district vehicle and driver, which were intended solely for official business.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated that these alleged actions could constitute grounds for dismissal “for cause” under Carvalho’s contract, which would negate any severance payments. The contract specifies that a firing without cause would entitle Carvalho to at least one year’s salary, while a dismissal for cause would eliminate severance, although he would remain eligible for compensation of unused vacation time in either scenario.
Prior to his resignation, Carvalho reportedly requested an exit package exceeding $1 million along with legal indemnification, which would require the district to cover his legal expenses. The district responded with an offer of several months’ pay contingent upon relinquishing the indemnification request. Following this exchange, the board sent the confidential letter asserting that it had grounds to terminate Carvalho for cause.
Carvalho’s representative disputed the allegations, stating that each issue cited had mitigating circumstances and that none justified termination, either separately or collectively. When Carvalho announced his resignation publicly, he said he was stepping down to allow the district to focus on students and learning “without distraction.”