Carvalho Resigns as LAUSD Superintendent Amid Ongoing Federal Investigation

Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), abruptly resigned effective Sunday, June 21, 2026, citing a desire to keep schools “focused on students and learning without distraction.” 

His departure comes nearly four months after FBI agents raided LAUSD headquarters, his San Pedro home, and a linked property in Florida as part of a federal probe into district contracting practices.

In a letter addressed to students, families, teachers, staff, and the community, Carvalho touted what he described as “historic progress” during his tenure since February 2022. 

He highlighted record-high academic performance on the Smarter Balanced Assessment, surpassing pre-pandemic achievement levels, the district’s highest-ever graduation rate, expanded Advanced Placement success, more nationally recognized magnet programs, reduced chronic absenteeism, a massive school modernization bond, and negotiated workforce agreements that preserved employee healthcare. 

“Placing students first has always guided my work,” Carvalho wrote. “Because I believe our schools must remain focused on students and learning without distraction, I am resigning as Superintendent of LAUSD effective today.”

He expressed gratitude to the community and encouraged students to “work hard to realize your dreams,” while noting that progress had been “equitable” across demographic groups.

His full remarks were sent to the California Globe this morning: 

To the students, families, teachers, staff, and community of LAUSD:

It has been a great honor to serve you. Over the past four years, together, we have made historic progress — gains that belong to our students, our educators, staff, and our communities. We have:

• raised academic performance on the Smarter Balanced Assessment to the highest levels in our district’s history;

• surpassed pre-pandemic achievement levels;

• achieved our highest graduation rate ever;

• expanded Advanced Placement participation and success;

• increased the number of LAUSD magnet programs nationally recognized for excellence;

• significantly reduced chronic absenteeism and increased daily attendance;

• secured the largest school modernization bond in the nation’s history; and,

• negotiated responsible workforce agreements while preserving free healthcare access for our employees.

Most importantly, our progress has been equitable. Low-income students, students with disabilities, foster youth, and Black and Latino students all exceeded their pre-pandemic performance — an outcome that reflects the hard work and commitment of so many across this District. As the School Board stated, when it unanimously reappointed me late last year, our District’s executive leadership team valued achievement and equity and placed our most vulnerable students at the heart of our agenda. During challenging times, we did so in a protective manner that benefited and honored all students.

Placing students first has always guided my work. Because I believe our schools must remain focused on students and learning without distraction, I am resigning as Superintendent of LAUSD effective today, June 21, 2026.

I leave grateful — to our students and families, whose protection we prioritized, for trusting us, to our exceptional and hard-working teachers, leaders, and staff at every level for their tireless dedication, to our valued partners, and to the community for the privilege of serving. The successes we have achieved belong to you. I will miss all of you and will continue to pray for the success, health, and wellbeing of every student and family in our District.

To every student: work hard to realize your dreams and to live up to the promise of our nation. Never let anyone limit what you can accomplish.

With deep gratitude,

Alberto Carvalho

However, Carvalho’s resignation occurs against a backdrop of intense scrutiny that California Globe has reported on extensively. In February 2026, the FBI executed search warrants at LAUSD’s headquarters and Carvalho’s residences amid an investigation reportedly centered on a $6.2 million contract with the now-bankrupt AI startup AllHere. 

The deal involved an anti-absenteeism chatbot that collapsed amid privacy concerns and fraud charges against its founder. Carvalho has denied any wrongdoing and was not charged, but he had been placed on paid administrative leave following the raids. 

LAUSD, already grappling with a budget crisis (projected$191M deficit), massive sex abuse settlements (including another $250 million borrowed in early 2026), chronic attendance issues despite claimed improvements, and other corruption scandals, now faces leadership uncertainty. The district serves roughly 400,000 students as the nation’s second-largest school system. 

The LAUSD Board of Education confirmed receipt of the resignation letter and named Andrés Chait as acting superintendent, emphasizing the need for stability. 

Carvalho, who came to LAUSD from Miami-Dade County Public Schools with a reputation as a reformer, had been unanimously reappointed late last year despite emerging and ongoing controversies. 

Critics, including those tracking LAUSD’s long history of financial mismanagement and pay-to-play allegations, view the resignation as the latest chapter in a district plagued by accountability failures. California Globe previously reported on separate LAUSD corruption cases involving millions in alleged money laundering and other schemes that have eroded public trust. 

Carvalho’s exit leaves unanswered questions about the federal probe’s scope and any potential further developments.

The California Globe will continue to monitor developments in the federal investigation and the district’s leadership transition.