Alberto Carvalho Biography, FBI Raid, Salary, Career & Controversies

Alberto M. Carvalho stands as one of the most prominent—and now most embattled—figures in American public education. From his celebrated tenure as Miami-Dade’s “superintendent savior” to his current crisis leading the nation’s second-largest school district, Carvalho’s career embodies both the heights of educational reform and the depths of administrative controversy. In February 2026, the 64-year-old Portuguese immigrant who once slept on New York streets found himself at the center of an FBI investigation, with federal agents raiding his Los Angeles home and office amid a widening probe into a failed $6 million AI chatbot contract that has already sent a tech CEO to prison for fraud.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Alberto Carvalho was born in 1961 in Lisbon, Portugal, into a poor family. His father worked as a custodian and his mother as a seamstress; both parents left school after the third grade . Carvalho was the first in his family to graduate from high school, an achievement that set him on a path far different from his parents’ limited educational opportunities .

At age 17, Carvalho left Portugal alone and arrived in the United States as an undocumented immigrant. “I remember landing in New York City, JFK International Airport, and the rest is history,” he later recounted . His early years in America were marked by extreme hardship: he slept on the streets, worked as a dishwasher, day laborer, and busboy, and at times slept in the back of a truck .

He made his way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, lured by “ads of sun and fun he saw in New York” . There, he worked at a restaurant owned by the late Republican Congressman E. Clay Shaw, who helped him obtain a student visa and work permit . A pivotal moment came when a nun gave him a $2,000 loan that enabled him to attend college .

Carvalho enrolled at Broward Community College while continuing to work odd jobs, then transferred to Barry University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology/biomedical sciences in 1990 . He initially planned to become a doctor but realized “he preferred helping people improve their minds more than their bodies” . He later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University .

Career Journey

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (1990–2021)

Carvalho’s entire pre-LAUSD career unfolded within Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where he rose from science teacher to superintendent over three decades .

Teaching and Early Administration (1990–2008):

• 1990: Hired as a physics teacher at Miami Jackson Senior High School. During his job interview with Assistant Principal Enid Weisman, the 25-year-old Carvalho declared his ultimate goal: to become superintendent
• 1996: Promoted to assistant principal at William H. Turner Tech High School
• District Office Roles: Served as chief communications officer, lobbyist, grant administrator, and associate superintendent

Superintendent of Miami-Dade (2008–2021):
On September 10, 2008, Carvalho was named superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest district, just hours after the school board negotiated a $386,000 buyout with his predecessor . He was offered the superintendent job in Pinellas County the same day but turned it down .

Major Accomplishments in Miami:

• 2012: Miami-Dade won the prestigious Broad Prize for Urban Education, recognizing gains among Black and Hispanic students, bringing $1 million in scholarships
• 2010: Founded iPrep Academy, a technology-focused school where he appointed himself principal; the school achieved a 100% graduation rate
• Graduation Rates: Increased from 59% (“shameful”) when he started to over 93% by the end of his tenure
• School Grades: Reduced failing schools from 30 (D or F grades) in 2008 to just one D-rated school by 2018–19

Controversies in Miami:

• March 2021: An Instagram account named “I have a lover” with the handle @superintendentofmiami surfaced featuring intimate selfies of Carvalho. He called it a “fake social media account, portraying illegitimately obtained images of me”
• June 2021: The Miami-Dade Inspector General found that while there were “no actual violations” in Carvalho’s solicitation of a $1.57 million donation from K12 Inc. (an online learning company), it created an “appearance of impropriety”
• September 2021: The Inspector General confirmed $6 million in misallocated funds for drivers and special education under Carvalho’s leadership

Los Angeles Unified School District (2022–Present)

Carvalho was selected as LAUSD superintendent in December 2021 and began his tenure in February 2022 . His hiring was celebrated with comparisons to “LeBron coming to the Lakers” .

Contract and Compensation:

• Salary: $440,000 annually
• Benefits: $1.5 million district-paid life insurance policy, $50,000 annual retirement contribution, use of car and driver, security when needed
• Relocation: $50,000 paid to move from Florida to Los Angeles in 2022

Contract Renewal (September 2025):
On September 17, 2025, the LAUSD Board voted unanimously to reappoint Carvalho for another four years, extending his tenure through February 13, 2030 . Unusually, Carvalho announced he would not accept any raise or additional benefits: “My contract is what my contract is. And, the most important contract I have is with the beautiful community of Los Angeles, our staff, our students and our families” .

Major Initiatives in LAUSD:

• Academic Recovery: Focused on post-pandemic learning loss and student mental health
• AI Integration: Launched “Ed,” an AI-powered chatbot in partnership with AllHere Education in March 2024, intended to serve as a “personal assistant” for 540,000 students

The AllHere AI Chatbot Scandal & FBI Raid

The Failed “Ed” Chatbot Project

In late 2023, LAUSD signed a five-year, $6 million contract with AllHere Education to develop “Ed,” an AI chatbot designed to help students access resources and answer parents’ questions about grades and district services . Carvalho and AllHere CEO Joanna Smith-Griffin appeared together at the ASU+GSV ed tech conference in April 2024 to launch the chatbot, with Carvalho calling it “unprecedented in American public education” .

The Collapse:

• June 2024: Just three months after launch, AllHere furloughed most staff due to financial problems and took “Ed” offline
• August 2024: AllHere filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
• November 2024: Joanna Smith-Griffin was arrested and charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft

The Fraud Allegations:
Federal prosecutors alleged Smith-Griffin orchestrated a “$10 million scheme to defraud investors” . Key allegations include:

• Claiming $3.7 million in 2020 revenue when actual revenue was approximately $11,000
• Falsely claiming contracts with New York City and Atlanta school districts that didn’t exist
• Using $600,000 in company funds for personal expenses including a house down payment and wedding costs
• Creating a fake email account to impersonate a financial consultant and send fraudulent documents to investors

Carvalho condemned Smith-Griffin after her arrest: “The indictment and the allegations represent, if true, a disturbing and disappointing house of cards that deceived and victimized many across the country… We will continue to assert and protect our rights” .

FBI Raid (February 25, 2026)

On February 25, 2026, FBI agents executed search warrants at:

• LAUSD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles
• Carvalho’s home in San Pedro, Los Angeles

The raids were part of a federal investigation related to the AllHere contract. While Carvalho had not been criminally charged as of the raid date, the search warrants indicate federal authorities are examining his role in the failed AI project and potential connections to AllHere’s fraud scheme.

Key Connections Under Investigation:

• Debra Kerr, a Florida-based education technology salesperson with “longstanding ties” to Carvalho, was AllHere’s largest creditor, owed $630,000 in unpaid commissions for closing the LAUSD deal
• Richard Kerr, Debra’s son, was a former AllHere account executive who pitched the company to LAUSD
• The Foundation for New Education Initiatives, a nonprofit Carvalho created in Miami in 2008, was listed as a creditor in AllHere’s bankruptcy
• Carvalho’s former Miami spokesperson’s communications firm was also a creditor

Controversies & Legal Issues

Miami Affair Allegations (2019, 2021)

Carvalho has faced persistent rumors about an alleged affair with journalist Tania DeLuzuriaga. In a 2019 interview, he denied any romantic relationship, calling it “a fake social media account, portraying illegitimately obtained images of me” . In March 2021, an Instagram account surfaced with intimate selfies, which Carvalho again dismissed as fake .

Financial Mismanagement Allegations

Miami-Dade (2021):

• Inspector General found $6 million in misallocated funds for drivers and special education
• The $1.57 million K12 Inc. donation created an “appearance of impropriety”

LAUSD (2024–2025):

• Proposition 28 Lawsuit: Accused of misusing $76.7 million in voter-approved arts education funds, allegedly using them to cover existing staff salaries rather than hiring new arts teachers as required by law
• Attendance Fraud: District records showed 85% of LAUSD’s 142 middle schools submitted attendance records claiming perfect attendance, resulting in questioned tax expenditures exceeding $764,000
• Chatbot Fraud: The $3 million paid to AllHere before its collapse

Political and Policy Battles

COVID-19 Mask Mandates (2021):
Carvalho publicly clashed with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over mask mandates in schools. When DeSantis threatened to withhold salaries from school officials who imposed mandates, Carvalho responded: “At no point shall I allow my decision to be influenced by a threat to my paycheck, a small price to pay considering the gravity of this issue and the potential impact to the health and well-being of our students and dedicated employees” .

Immigration Advocacy:
In 2017, Carvalho banned ICE from Miami-Dade’s “sanctuary schools,” declaring: “Over my dead body will any federal entity enter our schools to take immigration actions against our kids” .

Personal Life

Carvalho maintains strict privacy about his personal life. His marital status is unclear, though he has faced affair allegations. He has not publicly disclosed information about children or current family relationships.

His personal interests include educational innovation, technology integration, and immigrant advocacy—reflecting his own journey from undocumented Portuguese immigrant to leader of America’s second-largest school district.

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I cannot promise you the world. What I can promise you is this — tireless dedication to this community, much like I demonstrated tireless dedication to the community of Miami-Dade for 14 years. This shall not be a flash in the pan. I am here to stay.” — December 2021, upon LAUSD hiring

“At no point shall I allow my decision to be influenced by a threat to my paycheck, a small price to pay considering the gravity of this issue and the potential impact to the health and well-being of our students and dedicated employees.” — 2021, on defying Florida mask mandate ban

“Over my dead body will any federal entity enter our schools to take immigration actions against our kids.” — 2017, on sanctuary schools

“The indictment and the allegations represent, if true, a disturbing and disappointing house of cards that deceived and victimized many across the country. We will continue to assert and protect our rights.” — November 2024, on AllHere CEO arrest

“My contract is what my contract is. And, the most important contract I have is with the beautiful community of Los Angeles, our staff, our students and our families.” — September 2025, declining salary increase

Favorites

Personal Interests:

• Educational Technology: Pioneer in AI integration, online learning platforms, and digital innovation
• School Choice: Advocate for charter schools, magnet programs, and parental options
• Fashion: Known for impeccable dress; nicknamed “Mr. Armani” by students early in career
• Immigration Advocacy: Personal commitment to undocumented student rights
• Innovation: Founded iPrep Academy as model for 21st-century learning

Earnings & Net Worth

Current Salary (LAUSD):

• Base Salary: $440,000 annually
• Benefits Package: Includes $1.5 million life insurance, $50,000 annual retirement contribution, car and driver, security
• Total Compensation: Estimated $500,000+ annually

Previous Salary (Miami-Dade):

• 2008: $275,000 initially
• Final years: Approximately $386,000+ (based on buyout negotiations)

Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed. Given his 35+ year career in education administration, real estate holdings in Los Angeles, and substantial salary, estimates suggest several million dollars, though this is speculative.

Interesting Facts

1. Homeless Beginnings: Slept on New York streets and in the back of a truck after arriving from Portugal at age 17 .
2. The $2,000 Loan: A nun’s $2,000 loan enabled him to attend college, changing the trajectory of his life .
3. Declared His Ambition Early: Told his first principal he wanted to be superintendent during his initial teaching job interview at age 25 .
4. Rejected New York: Famously turned down the New York City schools chancellor job on live television in 2018 before accepting the LAUSD position three years later .
5. Award-Winning Leader: Received the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education (2016), Council of Great City Schools’ highest honor, and was named Florida and National Superintendent of the Year .
6. International Honors: Awarded the “Ordem de Mérito Civil” by the President of Portugal, the “Othli Award” by Mexico, and the Official Cross of the Orden de Isabel la Catolica by King Felipe VI of Spain .
7. Honorary Doctorates: Has received multiple honorary degrees from Florida International University, Barry University, Florida Memorial University, and Nova Southeastern University .

Did You Know?

• Carvalho is the only superintendent to have led both the nation’s second-largest (LAUSD) and fourth-largest (Miami-Dade) school districts.
• He founded the Foundation for New Education Initiatives in Miami in 2008, the same nonprofit now listed as a creditor in the AllHere bankruptcy .
• The AI chatbot “Ed” was named after Carvalho’s initiative, not a person, and was designed to serve 540,000 LAUSD students before its collapse after just three months .
• Carvalho’s 2025 contract renewal was unanimous (7-0) despite the brewing AllHere scandal, suggesting strong board support prior to the FBI raid .

Social Media & Public Presence

• LinkedIn: Active professional profile with 6,000+ followers
• LAUSD Website: Official superintendent page at superintendent.lausd.org
• Public Statements: Regular press conferences and media appearances (though reduced since February 2026 raid)

FAQs

Why was Alberto Carvalho’s home raided by the FBI?
On February 25, 2026, FBI agents executed search warrants at Carvalho’s San Pedro home and LAUSD headquarters as part of an investigation into the failed $6 million AI chatbot contract with AllHere Education. The company’s CEO, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was arrested in November 2024 and charged with defrauding investors of $10 million. Federal authorities are examining Carvalho’s role in the contract and his connections to AllHere’s sales representatives .

What is Alberto Carvalho’s salary?
Carvalho earns $440,000 annually as LAUSD superintendent, plus benefits including a $1.5 million life insurance policy, $50,000 annual retirement contribution, and use of a car and driver . In September 2025, he declined a raise upon contract renewal.

What happened to the LAUSD AI chatbot “Ed”?
“Ed” was launched in March 2024 as a $6 million AI chatbot developed by AllHere Education to serve 540,000 LAUSD students. Three months later, AllHere furloughed staff and took the chatbot offline due to financial problems. The company filed for bankruptcy in August 2024, and CEO Joanna Smith-Griffin was arrested in November 2024 for allegedly defrauding investors and misusing company funds .

Was Alberto Carvalho married to Tania DeLuzuriaga?
No. Carvalho has faced allegations of an affair with journalist Tania DeLuzuriaga, which he has consistently denied. In 2019 and 2021, intimate photos surfaced on social media, which Carvalho dismissed as “fake” and “illegitimately obtained images” .

What is Alberto Carvalho’s educational background?
Carvalho holds a B.S. in Biology/Biomedical Sciences from Barry University (1990) and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He has received multiple honorary doctorates .

How did Alberto Carvalho come to America?
Carvalho arrived in New York at age 17 as an undocumented immigrant from Portugal. He slept on streets, worked as a dishwasher and day laborer, and eventually made his way to Florida where a congressman helped him obtain legal status and a nun gave him a $2,000 loan for college .

Conclusion

Alberto Carvalho’s story—from undocumented immigrant sleeping on New York streets to superintendent of two of America’s largest school districts—represents an extraordinary American success story. His record of raising graduation rates, expanding school choice, and defending immigrant students earned him national acclaim and comparisons to LeBron James.

Yet his career has been shadowed by persistent questions: the “appearance of impropriety” in Miami financial dealings, the affair allegations he dismissed as fake news, and now the FBI raid investigating his role in a $6 million AI chatbot fraud scheme that cost taxpayers millions and sent a tech CEO to prison.

As of February 2026, Carvalho remains LAUSD superintendent but faces an uncertain future. The FBI investigation could result in criminal charges, civil liability, or exoneration. Whatever the outcome, his case serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of educational innovation, technology procurement, and the oversight challenges facing America’s public school systems.

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Last Updated: February 2026