LOS ANGELES (September 17, 2025) – In a unanimous vote, the Los Angeles Board of Education announced today the four-year contract renewal of Alberto M. Carvalho as Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second-largest school system.
Since assuming leadership in February 2022, Superintendent Carvalho has guided Los Angeles Unified through unprecedented challenges and remarkable achievements. Recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for his transformative leadership, he is considered an expert in school finance, governance, and advancing equity and Constitutionally-guaranteed rights for all students.
Under his tenure, students have attained the highest academic performance in the history of the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), surpassing pre-pandemic levels both in terms of distance from standard and percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards. Notably, Black, Latino, low-income students, students with disabilities, and foster youth have all exceeded their pre-pandemic performance—a testament to Superintendent Carvalho’s equity-driven approach. A record 89 magnet programs earned national recognition in 2025, with Grover Cleveland Charter High School named the Best Magnet School in the Nation. Carvalho has also driven expanded access to college-level coursework for Los Angeles Unified students, increasing Advanced Placement participation rates and enhancing dual enrollment partnerships.
These historic gains are rooted in the District’s unanimously approved 2022–2026 Ready for the World Strategic Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for excellence that launched numerous additional initiatives, including the Education Transformation Office, Cultural Arts Passport, and Family Academy. There had not been a plan for the District in place since the 2016-2019 Strategic Plan.
Superintendent Carvalho led the District through the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, wildfires that devastated Los Angeles communities. Throughout these crises, he ensured student safety and continuity of learning, and continues to ensure a student-centered approach to ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.
A leader in school finance, Superintendent Carvalho secured upgraded credit ratings for Los Angeles Unified that generated millions in savings and won voter approval for a $9 billion bond program to modernize and innovate school facilities. Under his guidance, the LAUSD Education Foundation was revitalized, securing new partnerships and investments for schools and a Compassion Fund to help extend services to families in need. More than $14 million has been raised to support wildfire relief and district priorities since the beginning of 2025.
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Quotes
Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho
“I am deeply honored by the Board’s confidence and the opportunity to continue serving the students and families of Los Angeles Unified. Enriched by the experiences and learnings from our workforce and community and labor partners, we have shown that when we put equity, innovation, and high expectations at the center of our work, our students achieve at historic levels. I look forward to building on this momentum and ensuring that every child in every neighborhood has access to the high-quality education they deserve.”
Board President Scott Schmerelson
"Superintendent Carvalho has shown steady leadership during challenging times at Los Angeles Unified. As challenges continue, we believe that his tenure can continue an upward trend in student performance and appreciate his openness to new ideas with the board's insight and direction. I look forward to working closely with Mr. Carvalho and am happy to move forward with his leadership for another four years."
Board Vice President Dr. Rocio Rivas
“I share Superintendent Carvalho’s deep commitment to equity. From expanding access to advanced courses to closing persistent achievement gaps, he has placed our most vulnerable students at the heart of his agenda. This leadership reflects the values of our communities and is helping to move the District forward.”
Board Member Sherlett Handy Newbill
“I am pleased to support the renewal of Superintendent Carvahlo’s contract. He has been an experienced, effective and transformative leader who will continue to steward the District on a trajectory of sustained growth and academic success.”
Board Member Nick Melvoin
"In a time of global uncertainty, we’re fortunate to have Superintendent Carvalho bringing steady and stable leadership as LA Unified moves from post-pandemic recovery to historic gains in student learning. Already the longest-serving superintendent in the last two decades, he has demonstrated a deep and consistent commitment to equity and excellence, helping sharpen our focus through the District’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan and delivering meaningful progress in closing achievement gaps. I look forward to working with him to build on this strong foundation—drawing on lessons learned and critical input from the community—to craft and implement the next strategic plan that accelerates progress for students, families, and employees across Los Angeles."
Board Member Karla Griego
“Superintendent Carvalho understands that every decision must serve the best interests of our children. He has led with empathy, courage, and a relentless drive to expand opportunities for all students. I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the years ahead.”
Board Member Kelly Gonez
“Superintendent Carvalho joined our school district at an incredibly challenging time, in the beginning of our post-pandemic recovery. Under his leadership, academic performance has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, voters successfully passed the largest bond in L.A. Unified history, and we’re responding to current federal threats by going above and beyond to protect our students and families. Superintendent Carvalho’s continued leadership will ensure we are maintaining our momentum and moving forward with strength and stability.”
Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin
“I am proud that our Board unanimously approved Superintendent Carvalho’s contract for an additional four years — to become the longest-serving Superintendent in recent history. Under his leadership, we have seen significant growth towards our strategic plan goals, including reducing persistent inequities in student outcomes. I am confident that with his continued focus on academics, social emotional wellness, and meaningful family engagement, we will continue our upward trajectory where every LA Unified student is ready for the college, career and life of their dreams.”
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Before joining Los Angeles Unified, Carvalho served as Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (2008–2022), the nation’s fourth-largest school district at the time, where he earned recognition as a national education leader and champion for historically underserved students.
Superintendent Carvalho has received numerous local, state, national, and international honors, including the “Ordem de Mérito Civil” from Portugal, the “Ohtli Award” from Mexico, and the Cross of the Orden de Isabel la Católica from King Felipe VI of Spain. He is a four-time national Superintendent of the Year Award winner, a recipient of the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, and has been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators.
Superintendent Carvalho served two terms on the National Assessment Governing Board, and he is a current member of the Harvard Program on Education Policy and Governance Advisory Committee and the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council. He is also involved with Common Threads, the Posse Foundation, the Aspen Institute’s Planet Media Task Force, Code.org, and the Leadership Table for the Los Angeles County Executive Committee on Homelessness. Additionally, he is on the Board of Directors for The Music Center of Los Angeles.
Carvalho’s personal journey mirrors the resilience of many LAUSD students. Raised in poverty in Portugal, he was the first in his family to graduate from high school before emigrating to the United States at the age of 17. Supporting himself as a day laborer and busboy, he pursued higher education, later beginning his career as a science teacher in Miami-Dade. He went on to serve as assistant principal, chief communications officer, and associate superintendent before rising to the superintendency.
Watch the Board's announcement and Superintendent Carvalho's remarks here: https://lausd.wistia.com/medias/n16dui3z8l
To read more about Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, see his official biography.