Federal agents raided the home of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and multiple district offices Tuesday. The FBI searches targeted the leader of the nation's second-largest school system, though investigators have not disclosed the focus of their probe.
Carvalho holds one of the most prominent positions in American public education, overseeing more than 600,000 students across Los Angeles. The superintendent has led major urban districts for over a decade, earning national recognition for his leadership in Miami-Dade County before joining LAUSD in February 2022. His appointment came with significant fanfare as the district sought to rebuild after years of instability.
The simultaneous raids signal a significant federal investigation into the sprawling district, which operates nearly 1,000 schools with an annual budget exceeding $7 billion. LAUSD serves students across 720 square miles, making it one of the most complex educational systems in the United States. The district employs approximately 75,000 people, including teachers, administrators, and support staff.
LAUSD has weathered numerous scandals and investigations over the past decade. The district faced scrutiny over a $7 billion technology initiative that failed spectacularly, resulting in criminal charges against former officials. Previous investigations have examined construction contracts, vendor relationships, and financial mismanagement within various departments.
Carvalho's tenure in Miami-Dade was marked by academic improvements and high-profile reforms that earned him national attention. He was considered for superintendent positions in New York City and other major districts before accepting the Los Angeles role. His leadership style emphasized data-driven decision-making and community engagement.
Federal agents typically conduct such high-profile searches only after obtaining substantial evidence of potential criminal activity. The coordination required for multiple simultaneous raids suggests investigators have been building their case for some time. Such investigations often take months or years to complete before any charges are filed.
Neither the FBI nor LAUSD immediately responded to requests for comment about the investigation's scope or timeline. The district's leadership structure and daily operations are expected to continue while the probe unfolds. School board members have not yet issued any public statements regarding the federal investigation.