Alberto M. Carvalho, the Portuguese-American superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), remains on paid administrative leave following a federal investigation involving the nation’s second-largest school system.
The move comes after agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed search warrants at Carvalho’s residence and district offices in late February 2026, in a probe whose full scope has not been publicly disclosed. Federal authorities have not provided details on the nature of the investigation.
The LAUSD Board of Education voted to place Carvalho on leave on February 27, appointing an interim superintendent to ensure continuity of operations across the district, which serves more than 500,000 students.
While officials have not detailed the allegations, reports indicate the investigation may be linked to a multimillion-dollar artificial intelligence initiative involving a chatbot platform known as “Ed.” Federal authorities have not filed charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
In a public response, Carvalho stated he has “acted with integrity and within the law,” emphasizing his willingness to cooperate fully with investigators. A prominent figure in American education and a native of Portugal, Carvalho has been widely recognized for his leadership in both Miami-Dade County Public Schools and LAUSD.
His temporary removal from office has drawn attention within Portuguese-American communities, particularly as he has been a visible advocate for educational access and language programs, including efforts to expand Portuguese language instruction in U.S. schools.
In July 2025, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) signed its first-ever Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Portugal based Camões Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua to introduce Portuguese language education in public schools across the district.
Alberto Carvalho, who has been vocal against the ongoing immigration raids in the country, especially in Minnesota, California, and Maine, among others, has called ICE’s actions “despicable.”
Alberto M. Carvalho previously served for more than a decade as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools before assuming leadership of LAUSD, the second-largest public school district in the United States. His tenure in Los Angeles has been marked by major initiatives in academic recovery, student services, and technology modernization. Reports indicate that federal investigators may be examining aspects of a prior district technology contract, though officials have not confirmed the scope of the inquiry.
PAJ/Staff
