LA school board unanimously placed Carvalho on administrative leave
FBI served search warrants at Carvalho's home and LAUSD headquarters
Investigation relates to alleged kickbacks during Carvalho's Miami tenure
Operations at LAUSD remain unaffected during the probe
📖 Full Retelling
The Los Angeles Unified School District board unanimously placed Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on paid administrative leave on February 27, 2026, after nearly two days of closed-session meetings, amid a federal investigation into his time as the head of Miami's school district. The decision came after the FBI served a series of search warrants at Carvalho's home and the LAUSD headquarters on Wednesday, with sources confirming that a Florida residence linked to Carvalho was also raided. The board appointed its chief of operations, Andres Chait, as interim superintendent to replace Carvalho, who had begun his four-year, $1.7 million contract with LAUSD just two weeks ago. The FBI has not disclosed the reason for the warrants, confirming only that the underlying affidavit remains sealed. Law enforcement sources revealed that the investigations in both California and Florida are directly related to Carvalho and stem from allegations that he may have received kickbacks from a business while serving as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools prior to joining LAUSD in 2022. A source with direct knowledge of the matter stated that the investigation predates the Trump administration and is not directly tied to LAUSD operations or Carvalho's work at the district, with no known culpability or connection to LAUSD. Despite the high-profile investigation, operations at the LAUSD appear unaffected, with the board issuing a statement assuring that 'the District continues normal operations across all schools and offices.'
🏷️ Themes
Education Leadership, Federal Investigation, Administrative Leave
California school district serving almost all of Los Angeles and surrounding areas
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is a public school district in Los Angeles County, California, United States of America. It is the largest public school system in California in terms of number of students and the second largest public school district in the United States, with only the N...
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. An agency of the United States Department of Justice, the FBI is a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community and reports to both the atto...
Administrative leave is a temporary leave from a job assignment, with pay and benefits intact. Generally, the term is reserved for employees of non-business institutions such as schools, police, and hospitals.
Form of bribery in which payment is received for services rendered
A kickback is a payment that partially offsets a larger payment in another direction. The term often connotes a secret or illegal payment, such as a form of negotiated bribery in which a commission is secretly paid to the person who arranges a deal. Generally speaking, the remuneration (money, goods...
The administrative leave of LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, coupled with the FBI investigation, raises serious questions about potential financial misconduct during his tenure as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This event impacts the Los Angeles school district's leadership and public trust.
Context & Background
Alberto Carvalho served as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools from 2008 to 2022.
Carvalho joined LAUSD in 2022 with a four-year, $1.7 million contract.
The FBI investigation reportedly centers on allegations of kickbacks received while he was the Miami superintendent.
What Happens Next
The FBI investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The LAUSD board will likely continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate. An independent investigation may be launched.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Alberto Carvalho?
The investigation reportedly centers on allegations that he may have received kickbacks from a business while superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Is the LAUSD currently operating normally?
The LAUSD board states that the district continues normal operations across all schools and offices.
Does this investigation directly involve the LAUSD?
Sources indicate the investigation is not directly tied to Carvalho's work at the LAUSD.
What is the status of the FBI search warrants?
The FBI confirmed search warrants were served at Carvalho's home and the LAUSD headquarters, but the specific reason remains sealed.
Original Source
Local News L.A. schools chief Alberto Carvalho placed on administrative leave amid FBI probe By Matthew Rodriguez , Matthew Rodriguez Digital Producer, CBS Los Angeles Matthew Rodriguez is a digital producer for CBS Los Angeles. He's previously reported for local outlets like the Argonaut and Pasadena Weekly. Matt typically covers breaking news and crime. Read Full Bio Matthew Rodriguez , Joy Benedict Joy Benedict Reporter Read Full Bio Joy Benedict Updated on: February 27, 2026 / 7:08 PM EST / CBS LA Add CBS News on Google After nearly two days of closed-session meetings , the board for the Los Angeles Unified School District placed Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on paid administrative leave amid a federal investigation into his time as the head of Miami's school district. On Friday, the board announced that they made the decision unanimously. The board appointed its chief of operations, Andres Chait, as interim superintendent. Carvalho began his newest contract with LAUSD two weeks ago. It was a four-year, $1.7 million deal. On Wednesday, the FBI served a series of search warrants at Carvalho's home and the Los Angeles Unified School District's headquarters , officials said. Sources told CBS News that the FBI also raided a Florida residence linked to Carvalho. The reason for the warrants is unknown after the FBI confirmed that the underlying affidavit remained under seal. Law enforcement sources told CBS News that the investigations in both states are directly related to Carvalho. It's not clear what, if any, wrongdoing Carvalho is accused of. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney's office would not comment on the investigation, which is standard until potential charges are filed. Prior to joining the LAUSD in 2022, Carvalho previously served as the superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. A source with direct knowledge of the matter said the investigation predates the Trump administration and is a probe into allegations that Carvalho may have received kickbac...
