L.A. schools chief Alberto Carvalho placed on administrative leave amid FBI probe
After almost two days of closed meetingsThe Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Trustees has placed Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on paid administrative leave amid a federal investigation into his tenure leading the Miami school district.
On Friday, the board announced that it had made the decision unanimously. The board named its chief operating officer, Andres Chait, as interim superintendent.
Carvalho started his new contract with LAUSD two weeks ago. It was a four-year, $1.7 million deal.
On Wednesday, the FBI executed a series of search warrants at Carvalho’s home and headquarters of the Los Angeles Unified School Districtofficials said. Sources told CBS News that the FBI also searched a Florida residence linked to Carvalho. The reason for the warrants is unknown after the FBI confirmed the underlying affidavit remains under seal.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that the investigations in both states are directly linked to Carvalho. It is unclear what wrongdoing Carvalho is accused of, if any. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office would not comment on the investigation, which is the norm until potential charges are filed.
Before joining LAUSD in 2022, Carvalho previously served as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
A source with direct knowledge of the matter said the investigation predated the Trump administration and was an investigation into allegations that Carvalho may have received bribes from a company while he was still in business. Miami School District Superintendent. The source added that the investigation is not directly related to the LAUSD or Carvalho’s work in the district, and that there is no known culpability or connection to the LAUSD.
LAUSD operations appear unaffected as the investigation continues.
The LAUSD Board of Trustees released a statement regarding the closed meeting following the recess Thursday evening.
“The district is continuing normal operations in all schools and offices,” LAUSD wrote in a statement Thursday. “We are grateful to our dedicated employees, families and students for their continued focus and commitment to our school communities.”
