Superintendent’s Probe Takes Back Seat to District Priorities (Image Credits: Ca-times.brightspotcdn.com)
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Unified School District board pressed ahead with critical decisions during its March 10 meeting, even as an FBI investigation into Superintendent Alberto Carvalho cast a long shadow over the proceedings.[1][2]
Superintendent’s Probe Takes Back Seat to District Priorities
A heated atmosphere filled the boardroom, yet members avoided any public discussion of Carvalho, who has remained on paid administrative leave since February 27.[1] Acting Superintendent Andres Chait, a longtime district administrator, presided over the session with minimal commentary, steering focus toward operational matters.[1]
Carvalho broke his silence that day through a statement from his legal team. He denied any wrongdoing related to the probe, which stems from a failed $6-million AI chatbot contract with the now-bankrupt startup AllHere. “Mr. Carvalho remains confident that the evidence will ultimately demonstrate that he acted appropriately and in the best interests of students,” the statement read.[2] Federal agents raided his home and district office on February 25, seizing documents and devices, but no charges have followed.[3]
The investigation traces back to AllHere’s founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, arrested in November 2024 for defrauding investors. Connections involve a Florida consultant, Debra Kerr, who helped secure the LAUSD deal and knew Carvalho from his Miami-Dade tenure.[4] Carvalho expressed hope for a swift return to his role, emphasizing his dedication to students.
Locke High Charter Renewal Rejected in Close Vote
The board’s most contentious action came with a 4-3 denial of renewal for Green Dot Public Schools’ Locke High in Watts, a unionized neighborhood charter serving about 1,000 students from high-poverty areas.[1] Staff recommended non-renewal based on performance data showing Locke lagging behind peers in nearby traditional schools.
Opened as a charter in 2008 after community upheaval, Locke accepts all local applicants without a lottery. District analysts compared roughly 250 Locke students to those who would attend other neighborhood schools, highlighting gaps in academic proficiency despite faster growth rates than district averages.[1] Over 100 supporters rallied, but the vote stood. Green Dot CEO Cristina de Jesus responded defiantly: “Today was not the outcome we expected, but I think Locke and all of the community showed up in the way they always do, full of strength. We’ll see at the county board in a month, and we’re ready to fight.”[1]
Four Union Contracts Ratified Amid Broader Talks
Board members approved agreements with four smaller unions, marking progress in labor negotiations as larger groups like United Teachers Los Angeles eye potential strikes.[1]
- Teamsters Local 572, covering cafeteria managers, office managers, and plant supervisors.
- California School Employees Association Local 500, for library aides and clerical staff.
- Two school police unions: one for rank-and-file officers, another for senior officers.
Talks continue with SEIU Local 99 service workers and administrators, while UTLA remains in fact-finding after stalled discussions. These pacts provide stability for essential roles amid the district’s $18.8 billion budget challenges.
Unanimous Push to Scrutinize Immigration-Tied Vendors
In a 7-0 vote, the board passed a resolution directing administrators to assess vendors’ links to federal immigration enforcement, ensuring compliance with procurement rules.[1] Board member Rocio Rivas clarified: “This resolution ensures that the district has the information needed to understand those kinds of relationships when evaluating vendors.”[1]
The measure responds to community concerns without banning contractors outright. It arrives amid speculation over Carvalho’s pro-immigrant advocacy, including sanctuary protections for LAUSD’s diverse students.
Key Takeaways
- Carvalho probe linked to failed AI deal; no charges filed, return anticipated.
- Locke High charter denied 4-3; appeal pending at county level.
- Four labor contracts approved; larger unions in negotiation.
The meeting underscored LAUSD’s resilience, prioritizing students over scandal. As the probe unfolds, the district’s path forward hinges on steady leadership. What impact will these decisions have on LAUSD families? Share your thoughts in the comments.
