FBI Raids Shake LAUSD Leadership Over Controversial AI Contract
FBI Raids Shake LAUSD Leadership
Federal agents from the FBI descended on Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho's San Pedro home on Wednesday, sparking widespread concern. A related search targeted a property in Southwest Ranches, Florida, linked to Carvalho's past in Miami-Dade schools. Details remain sealed, but sources point to potential financial irregularities predating his 2022 LAUSD role.
Links to Controversial AI Deal Emerge
The probe appears tied to a $3 million contract with AllHere, a failed edtech startup developing the AI chatbot "Ed" for student advising. Founder Joanna Smith-Griffin faces fraud charges for misusing funds, though Carvalho isn't directly implicated. LAUSD touted the tool for personalized learning plans, but the company's swift bankruptcy raised red flags about oversight and vendor selection.
Uncertain Future for District Amid Probe
LAUSD's board held a four-hour closed session on the superintendent matter, recessing without decision. Officials affirm full cooperation, emphasizing the investigation focuses on Carvalho personally, not district operations. As the second-largest U.S. school system navigates this crisis, questions swirl over leadership stability and fiscal accountability in public education.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Los Angeles Unified School District
The **Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)** is the second-largest public school system in the United States, serving over 600,000 students across kindergarten through twelfth grade[4][5]. Operating across 720 square miles that encompass Los Angeles and parts of 31 municipalities in Southern California, LAUSD manages more than 1,000 schools and oversees over 200 independently-operated public charter schools[5]. ## Historical Foundation LAUSD's origins trace back to 1853 when the first public school ordinance was established in Los Angeles[2]. The district evolved through several iterations: the Los Angeles City School District (formed 1853, serving K-8), the Los Angeles City High School District (1890, serving grades 9-12), and the Los Angeles City Junior College District (1931)[2]. These entities formally unified on July 1, 1961, creating the modern LAUSD structure[1][2]. ## Key Achievements and Current Operations The district has demonstrated significant educational excellence and sustainability leadership. LAUSD became California's first school district to adopt Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) sustainability standards in 2003[4]. The district has installed 21 megawatts of solar capacity, supported over 375 school gardens, and constructed more than 180 outdoor classrooms[4]. Additionally, LAUSD students have won 12 United States Academic Decathlon championships—more than any other district nationally[5]. The district employs approximately 75,674 people and holds a 7.0% market share in the charter schools industry[6]. In 2016, LAUSD was recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon District[4], and the district has constructed over 115 new schools and campuses through the nation
FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a premier law enforcement agency in the United States, renowned for its role in protecting the nation from domestic and international threats. Founded on July 26, 1908, as the Bureau of Investigation, it was initially tasked with addressing land fraud and corporate malfeasance under President Theodore Roosevelt[1][2]. Over time, its mandate expanded significantly, particularly with the passage of the Mann Act in 1910, which allowed federal jurisdiction over certain moral offenses[1][4]. ### History and Evolution The FBI underwent significant transformation under J. Edgar Hoover, who became its director in 1924. Hoover implemented strict hiring standards and enhanced operational capabilities, transforming the agency into a robust investigative force[1][4]. The FBI's name was officially changed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1935[5][6]. Throughout its history, the FBI has faced challenges, including concerns about potential abuses of power, but it has consistently demonstrated its value in national security and law enforcement[3][4]. ### Key Achievements The FBI has been instrumental in combating various crimes, including white-collar offenses, civil rights violations, and national security threats. Notable achievements include its role in enforcing the Espionage Act during World War I and its investigations into organized crime throughout the 20th century[2][4]. ### Current Status Today, the FBI is a sophisticated agency with over 37,100 employees, including special agents and professionals in various fields such as intelligence analysis and cybersecurity[5]. It operates in 55 field offices across the U.S. and has an international presence in 81 nations[5]. The FBI continues to evolve, addressing emerging threats like cybercrime and terrorism while maintaining its commitment to justice and integrity. ### Notable Aspects The FBI is known for its rigorous training programs at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and its advanced forensic capabilities at the FBI Laboratory. Its work in business and technology includes
AllHere
```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>AllHere: Revolutionizing K-12 Attendance with AI</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; } h1 { color: #333; } h2 { color: #555; } p { margin-bottom: 1em; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>AllHere: Revolutionizing K-12 Attendance with AI</h1> <p><strong>AllHere</strong> is a pioneering EdTech startup tackling chronic absenteeism in K-12 schools through AI-powered chatbots and proactive messaging. Founded by Joanna Smith, a former teacher and family engagement leader, the Boston-based company uses conversational AI to nudge families, answer questions, and remove barriers to attendance, evolving into a comprehensive student support platform.[1][2][4]</p> <h2>Founding and History</h2> <p>Established around 2016-2019, AllHere stemmed from Smith's firsthand experience with absenteeism's impact on at-risk students. Initially human-intensive, it pivoted to tech during COVID-19, partnering with districts for feedback that shaped its AI chatbot—the first in K-12. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Smith secured venture backing, including $8M Series A from Spero Ventures in 2023, totaling $12.1M-$13M.[2][3][4][5][7]</p> <h2>Key Achievements</h2> <p>AllHere's growt
