Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho Resigns Amid FBI Investigation

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho resigned on June 21, 2026, amid an FBI investigation into his dealings with a subcontractor linked to a failed AI chatbot project, according to multiple law enforcement sources. The departure marks the end of a four-year tenure marked by academic improvements and intense federal scrutiny.

What Triggered Carvalho’s Resignation?

Carvalho submitted his resignation letter to the LAUSD Board of Education on June 20, 2026, citing the need to keep the district focused on students and learning. The move followed an FBI raid on his home and district office in February 2026, which led to his paid administrative leave. While the superintendent’s letter did not explicitly mention the investigation, it emphasized his commitment to student welfare. “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.”

How Did the FBI Investigation Begin?

The federal probe centered on Carvalho’s interactions with a subcontractor involved in a $3 million AI chatbot project, which collapsed after the company behind it faced bankruptcy. According to law enforcement sources, the investigation is examining whether Carvalho violated federal regulations in his dealings with the contractor. Carvalho’s legal team has denied any wrongdoing, stating he “committed no wrongdoing” in a March 2026 statement. However, the FBI has not disclosed the scope of its inquiry.

What Role Did the AI Chatbot Play?

The ill-fated AI chatbot, named “Ed,” was intended to assist families with educational planning but was discontinued within months of its 2024 launch. The project’s collapse led to a $3 million financial loss for the district, according to LAUSD records. The company’s founder later faced federal charges, and Carvalho was named a person of interest in the investigation. The superintendent’s resignation comes as the district faces ongoing pressure to address budget shortfalls and declining enrollment, exacerbated by broader immigration enforcement policies.

What Other Federal Investigations Affect LAUSD?

Carvalho’s departure does not end the district’s legal challenges. LAUSD remains under two separate federal investigations. One examines whether the district’s Black Student Achievement Plan provides illegal racial advantages, while another probes allegations of discrimination against white students through class size policies. The district has defended its programs as lawful, and in May 2026, it restored funding to the Black Student Achievement Plan after considering cuts to avoid insolvency.

What’s Next for LAUSD?

The board appointed interim superintendent Andres Chait following Carvalho’s resignation. Chait, a veteran administrator, has managed labor disputes and budget negotiations but faces criticism over a recent agreement with teachers’ unions that some argue strains the district’s finances. With Carvalho’s departure, LAUSD’s leadership transition underscores the challenges of balancing academic progress, legal obligations, and fiscal responsibility in one of the nation’s largest school systems.