Top LAUSD academic chiefs leaving as test scores rise and FBI raid sidelines Carvalho

"The top two Los Angeles school district administrators in charge of instruction during the recent rise in test scores are leaving as the school board moves on with major budget and student technology issues without its nationally acclaimed and now entirely silenced leader, Supt. Alberto Carvalho. One key issue will advance Tuesday, as the board gets a first look at a new draft policy to limit student screen time, an initiative that board members took on after Carvalho was compelled to step aside."

"Carvalho has been on paid administrative leave since a February FBI raid of his home and office. That investigation appears to be connected to a district contractor hired to create a failed artificial intelligence chatbot for the school system. In that effort and others, Carvalho has championed the use of technology to guide student progress. He has maintained his innocence and said in a March statement that he wants to return to work."

"The school board instead named an acting superintendent pending further developments. There has been no public discussion about how long Carvalho will be on leave. Choosing to leave is Deputy Supt. of Instruction Karla Estrada, whose departure plans became known right after the Board of Education approved a new contract for her in April. Estrada is the most senior district official supervising instruction."

"Just under her is Chief Academic Officer Francis Baez, who has announced her retirement but agreed to stay on through mid-August to assist with the transition. Departures below the level of superintendent rarely get wide attention, but these are unfolding at a singular time. In addition to the two instruction leaders, Carvalho's senior advisor, Jaime Torrens, and the head of the adult education division, Renny Neyra, at this point either have not accepted or have not been offered contracts for the coming school year."

Los Angeles school district instruction leadership is changing as Supt. Alberto Carvalho leaves amid an FBI-related investigation and the board continues major budget and student technology work. The board will review a draft policy to limit student screen time, an initiative pursued after Carvalho was compelled to step aside. Carvalho has been on paid administrative leave since a February FBI raid connected to a district contractor that created a failed artificial intelligence chatbot. Carvalho has maintained innocence and sought to return, but the board appointed an acting superintendent. Deputy Supt. of Instruction Karla Estrada is also leaving, while Chief Academic Officer Francis Baez will retire after assisting through mid-August. Additional senior staff have uncertain contract outcomes for the coming school year.

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