Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has resigned, effective Sunday, June 21, 2026, bringing a sudden conclusion to his tenure amidst a four-month federal investigation.
Carvalho's legal team confirmed his resignation letter was sent late Sunday to the Los Angeles Unified School District and its Board of Education. In the letter, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, highlighting "historic progress" made during his four-year leadership. While the letter did not directly reference the FBI raid on his home and district office in late February, which led to his paid administrative leave, Carvalho stated his decision was motivated by a desire to keep the focus on students and learning without distraction.
The federal investigation, according to law enforcement sources, is reportedly linked to Carvalho's interactions with a subcontractor involved in a failed artificial intelligence chatbot venture introduced to the district. Carvalho has previously asserted through his attorneys that he committed no wrongdoing and expressed a desire to return to his duties.
In his resignation letter, Carvalho emphasized the district's achievements, including gains in state test scores, a record graduation rate, improvements in Advanced Placement courses, and the approval of the largest school modernization bond in the district's history. He specifically noted that progress was equitable, with low-income students, students with disabilities, foster youth, and Black and Latino students exceeding their pre-pandemic performance levels.
Carvalho's tenure was characterized by academic advancements and public acclaim, as well as his advocacy for immigrant families. However, it was also marked by significant challenges, including a massive cyberattack, allegations of misspending on arts education, and the unsuccessful AI project. The FBI raid on his home and office, occurring simultaneously with a raid at the home of education consultant Debra Kerr, a professional associate, intensified scrutiny.
The Board of Education placed Carvalho on paid administrative leave on February 27, appointing Andres Chait as acting superintendent. Union leaders, including those from United Teachers Los Angeles and Service Employees International Union Local 99, had recently called for Carvalho's replacement. The district continues to face federal scrutiny, with at least two ongoing probes, including one examining potential discrimination against white students and another concerning the Black Student Achievement Plan.
