L.A. Unified Superintendent Defies Scandals, Leads Transformation

Alberto Carvalho has long been known as an education leader unafraid of tackling tough challenges. When he was hired as the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (L.A.U.S.D.) in 2021, he faced a unique set of obstacles - including past scandals that had rocked the district. However, Carvalho's unwavering commitment to students and his track record of success have allowed him to forge ahead and begin transforming one of the nation's largest school systems.

Carvalho's path to L.A.U.S.D. was not without controversy. As the former superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, he had navigated his own share of scandals, including a failed attempt to become the New York City schools chancellor in 2018 that ended with him backing out at the last minute. Despite these missteps, Carvalho's reputation as an innovative, student-focused leader made him an attractive candidate to lead L.A.U.S.D. out of its own troubled period.

Upon taking the reins in Los Angeles, Carvalho wasted no time addressing the district's challenges head-on. He immediately set out to improve academic outcomes, increase funding for critical programs, and restore trust between the district and the communities it serves. His holistic approach has already begun to yield results, with rising test scores, expanded mental health services, and better teacher retention rates.

One of Carvalho's key priorities has been addressing the learning loss experienced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has overseen the rollout of intensive tutoring and summer programs to help get students back on track, while also investing in technology and infrastructure to support remote and hybrid learning models. These efforts have been crucial in mitigating the disproportionate impact the pandemic had on underprivileged students within the L.A.U.S.D. system.

Beyond academics, Carvalho has also focused on supporting the overall wellbeing of L.A.U.S.D. students and staff. He has expanded access to mental health resources, created new programs to address trauma and social-emotional needs, and worked to foster a more inclusive, supportive environment district-wide. These holistic initiatives have been instrumental in helping the L.A.U.S.D. community heal and thrive in the wake of the pandemic's disruptions.

While Carvalho's tenure has not been without its challenges, his unwavering commitment to students and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes have allowed him to make significant strides in transforming the L.A.U.S.D. system. As he continues to build on his early successes, many are hopeful that Carvalho's leadership will pave the way for a brighter future for the district and the students it serves.