A wave of criticism is surging in Los Angeles after the FBI conducted searches of the home and office of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. Federal agents appeared at multiple locations, including his downtown office and his San Pedro home, as part of an investigation into technology contracts.
The investigation is reportedly focused on an artificial intelligence chatbot project that the district implemented through the company AllHere. Although the FBI has not released details regarding the allegations, the incident has sent shockwaves through the public and shaken community trust in the leadership of the nation's second-largest school district.
Parents Pressure for Transparency
At an emergency meeting of the Board of Education, a large number of parents gathered to demand that Carvalho vacate his current position or be suspended. Many expressed concern that leadership instability would negatively impact educational quality and student stability, especially for those requiring special education services.
"If the investigation continues to escalate, please resign for your own honor and that of the entire district," emphasized Juan Megondi, a parent attending the meeting. Another parent, Diana Guillen, stated that the community has been in a state of confusion since FBI forces appeared.
The advocacy group Parents Supporting Teachers has called on the Board of Education to appoint an interim superintendent immediately to ensure operational continuity. Meanwhile, the organization Schools Beyond Screens is demanding a comprehensive audit of all technology contracts approved from 2022 to the present.
Developments in the Corruption Investigation
Documents related to the search warrants remain sealed; however, the focus is centered on the relationship between the school district and the company AllHere. The company's founder was indicted on fraud charges in 2024, raising questions about transparency in the bidding process and the use of public funds.
Alberto Carvalho, who previously led the Miami-Dade school district before moving to LAUSD in 2022, has not yet made a public appearance or issued an official response. The incident occurs as the district faces mounting pressure over budget cuts and tense negotiations with the teachers' union.
The LAUSD currently manages a massive public school system with an annual budget of tens of billions of dollars. Having its top official under federal investigation not only puts pressure on the educational system but also forces local authorities to provide clear accountability to voters and parents.
