Lanetta Thomas (District 9)

Section 1 - Basic Information & General Questions

Candidate's Name  Lanetta Thomas

District 9

Campaign link  friendsforlanetta.org

Are you a current or recent CPS parent, grandparent, or guardian/caregiver? CPS parent

Are you a CPS graduate? Yes

Have you ever served on a Local School Council (LSC)? No

Have you ever served on a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)? No

Have you ever served on a Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC)? No

Have you ever served on a Community Action Council (CAC)? No

Have you ever worked in a CPS school? No

How long have you lived in the district you are running to represent? The majority of my life.

Describe your CPS experience. 

As a former CPS student, I faced significant challenges, including unfair treatment from some administrators and teachers. Navigating dangerous neighborhoods on my way to Percy L. Julian High School added to the struggles of my education. Despite these difficulties, I became an advocate for myself and others early on. During my junior year, I actively spoke out against CPS school closures, championing the rights of students who were being impacted by these decisions. My advocacy didn’t stop at graduation; I’ve continued to push for equity, especially for marginalized students. My experiences within CPS—both as a student and as a parent—have shaped my commitment to fighting for an education system that truly serves all students, providing them with the resources and respect they deserve.

Why are you running for the Board of Education? 

I am running for the Board of Education because I know firsthand the challenges that CPS students face. As a former student who had to navigate both personal adversity and systemic issues like school closures, I understand the importance of having strong advocates within the system. My years of advocating for the rights of students and pushing for fair treatment have prepared me to take on this role. I believe that every student deserves an equitable education, free from the disparities I experienced. I am committed to ensuring schools have the resources they need—whether that’s full-time social workers, certified librarians, or fully funded arts programs—so that no student has to feel like they are navigating the system alone. My goal is to create a system where students are supported holistically, both academically and emotionally.

What is the most pressing challenge our district is facing? 

The most pressing challenge facing our district is the ongoing inequity in resource allocation, which disproportionately affects students in underserved communities. This issue is compounded by inadequate funding for essential programs like special education, mental health services, and vocational training, leaving students without the support they need to thrive. Additionally, the lack of restorative justice practices and the over-reliance on punitive measures further alienates students from the education system. Addressing these issues requires a strong commitment to equity and ensuring that every school, regardless of location, has the resources to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all students.

Section 2 - Board Responsibilities & Commitments

How will you interact with CPS students and families in your district to ensure that the voices of the most impacted are heard and understood?

To ensure the voices of CPS students and families are heard, I will hold regular community meetings and listening sessions throughout the district. I will create opportunities for students and families to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas in safe, inclusive environments. This will include town halls, school visits, and smaller focus groups for more personalized discussions. I will also leverage digital platforms, such as social media and surveys, to reach those who may not be able to attend in-person meetings. Most importantly, I will ensure that these voices are not only heard but are used to inform decisions made at the Board level, especially when it comes to policy changes that directly impact students' lives.

What specific actions will you take to address and repair the historical harms within Chicago Public Schools, and how will you ensure that students, parents, and educators are actively engaged in the healing and trust-building process?

Addressing historical harms within CPS starts with acknowledging the inequities that have long existed. I will push for transparent audits on resource allocation, discipline practices, and funding disparities to identify areas that need immediate attention. Additionally, I will advocate for the implementation of restorative justice practices district-wide to promote healing between students, teachers, and administrators. To actively engage students, parents, and educators in this process, I will create advisory councils composed of diverse community members to ensure their voices are central to decision-making. Regular communication, transparency in actions, and inclusive policy-making are critical to rebuilding trust and fostering an environment of healing.

What is your understanding of the Board’s relationship with Local School Councils? How will you collaborate  with LSCs in your district?

The Board of Education sets overarching policies for CPS, while Local School Councils (LSCs) play a critical role in school-level governance, especially regarding budgeting, principal selection, and local concerns. I see the relationship between the Board and LSCs as a partnership where both bodies work together to ensure the success of each school. To collaborate effectively with LSCs, I will regularly meet with them to discuss their needs, offer Board-level insights, and advocate for their concerns at the district level. I believe LSCs offer valuable on-the-ground perspectives, and their input will be essential in making informed Board decisions that directly benefit students and schools.

List the Board committees you intend to join and describe any new Board committees you will propose.

I intend to join the Equity and Excellence Committee and the Special Education Advisory Committee to advocate for resource equity and the improvement of special education services. Additionally, I will propose the creation of a Restorative Justice and School Climate Committee to ensure that CPS is moving towards holistic, non-punitive practices for addressing student behavior. This committee would focus on providing students with emotional and mental health support and alternatives to suspensions and expulsions, while also fostering a positive, inclusive school climate.

How will you prioritize your time to ensure you give your role on the Board of Education the attention it deserves?

To ensure that I give my role on the Board of Education the attention it deserves, I will dedicate specific hours each week solely to Board-related activities, including attending meetings, reviewing policies, and engaging with constituents. I will manage my time effectively by staying organized and prioritizing tasks that have the most immediate impact on students and schools. Additionally, I will ensure that I am accessible to my constituents by setting aside time for regular communication with students, parents, and educators. My commitment to education and advocacy means that this role will be one of my top priorities, and I will make sure it receives the time and attention it requires to make meaningful change.

Section 3 - Budget & Facilities

What are your thoughts on the current proposed district budget for SY24-25? As a board member, where would you look to increase funding and where would you make budget cuts?

The SY24-25 budget attempts to address resource disparities, but there’s still much work to be done, especially in fully funding special education, social services, and vocational training. I believe we need to increase funding for special education, mental health services, and restorative justice programs to ensure all students receive the support they need. Additionally, more funding should be allocated for facility maintenance, particularly for schools with aging infrastructure. 

As for cuts, I would look into reducing administrative overhead and unnecessary expenditures in non-essential programs, allowing us to prioritize student-facing services.

Funding for CPS is in a particularly precarious situation due to state shortages to Evidence-Based Funding (EBF), the end of pandemic funding, and more. What would you prioritize when facing these overwhelming budget realities?

In a tight budget environment, I would prioritize equitable funding to ensure that schools in underserved communities receive the resources they need to close the achievement gap. Critical services like special education, mental health supports, and transportation for vulnerable students must be protected. I would also push for capital improvements in school facilities that directly impact health and safety, such as ensuring functional bathrooms and water fountains. Finally, we need to build strategic partnerships with both public and private sectors to secure additional funding streams.

What experience do you have with complicated budgets?

My experience managing budgets comes from my work in community advocacy and on political campaigns. I have had to balance limited funds while ensuring resources were allocated strategically to achieve the most significant impact. Additionally, my involvement in various community and educational programs has given me experience in navigating complex financial scenarios where competing priorities must be addressed without compromising core services.

What will you do to ensure equitable and transparent funding for neighborhood schools?

To ensure equitable and transparent funding, I would advocate for participatory budgeting, involving parents, students, and community stakeholders in the budgeting process. This transparency would ensure that funds are allocated based on need, with a focus on schools that have been historically underfunded. I would also push for regular audits and public reporting to track how funds are being used and ensure that budget decisions are aligned with student needs. Engaging the community directly will ensure more voices are heard and that funding decisions reflect actual needs.

Many parents have expressed an urgent need for capital improvements in their schools. What steps will you take to ensure that schools have functioning facilities, particularly bathrooms and water fountains?

I will push for earmarked funds in the capital budget specifically for urgent infrastructure repairs. Schools should not have to choose between functioning bathrooms and basic resources, and students deserve a safe, healthy learning environment. I will work with local school councils (LSCs) to identify the most critical facility needs in each school and advocate for these projects to be prioritized in the district’s capital plan. Additionally, I would seek public-private partnerships to expedite improvements in schools that have been overlooked in the past.

Bussing challenges have a long and fraught history in CPS. The last few years have been particularly difficult for special education students, as well as those who attend magnet and selective enrollment schools. Given CPS’s recently announced plans for the coming school year, How do you plan to address the ongoing school bussing challenges and ensure that all students have reliable, safe, and equitable transportation to and from school? 

I will push for the continued recruitment of bus drivers, improve route efficiency, and ensure more robust support for students with special needs. With the proposed budget allocating $139.7 million for student transportation services, it’s essential to ensure these funds are spent efficiently. I would work to streamline logistics, advocate for increased pay and incentives for bus drivers, and ensure that transportation is prioritized for students who are most dependent on it. Additionally, I will seek feedback from parents and students to continuously improve transportation services, especially for those attending magnet and selective enrollment schools.

Section 4 - Educational Programs & Academic Success

How do you define a quality education?

A quality education equips students with the academic, emotional, and social tools they need to succeed in life. It provides equitable access to well-trained teachers, diverse curricula, and extracurricular activities that foster critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. A quality education also ensures students are supported holistically, with access to special education services, social-emotional learning programs, and mental health resources, regardless of their background or ZIP code.

What is the role of the Board of Education in ensuring quality educational programs for all students regardless of their background, zip code, or school type?

The Board of Education’s role is to ensure equity in resource allocation, program funding, and access to quality teachers and services. The Board must ensure that all schools, especially those in underserved communities, receive adequate support to meet students’ needs. This includes creating policies that address disparities in funding, monitoring school performance, and promoting programs like special education and social services, ensuring that students receive the same high-quality education, regardless of where they live or the type of school they attend.

What are your views on the roles of neighborhood, selective enrollment, magnet, and charter schools within CPS? Please address each type of school in your answer.

Neighborhood schools: These schools are the heart of communities and should be fully funded to serve all students in their areas. They need access to comprehensive programs like arts, music, and vocational training to provide a well-rounded education. 

Selective enrollment schools: These schools offer advanced programs for high-achieving students. While they serve a specific purpose, they should not siphon resources from neighborhood schools or widen inequality within the district. 

Magnet schools: Magnet schools provide specialized programs that attract diverse students from across the city. I believe these schools should be accessible and equitable, ensuring students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to attend. 

Charter schools: While charter schools can provide innovative educational models, they must be held to the same accountability standards as public schools. The Board should ensure that charters do not drain resources from neighborhood schools and that they serve the community equitably.

How should the Board approach charter oversight and accountability?

The Board should enforce strict oversight of charter schools, ensuring they meet the same academic standards, provide equitable access, and adhere to labor laws like public schools. Regular audits of finances, student performance, and staffing should be conducted to ensure transparency. Additionally, charters should be held accountable for their impact on neighborhood schools, and any violations of agreements should be met with corrective actions, including revocation of charters if necessary.

The initial recommendations of the Black Student Success Working Group were shared earlier this summer. Which of those recommendations will be most important to incorporate into the district’s strategic plan and why?
The recommendation to implement culturally relevant curricula is one of the most important. Ensuring that Black students see themselves reflected in their education fosters a sense of belonging and increases academic engagement. Additionally, investing in the recruitment and retention of Black educators is crucial for providing students with role models and creating an inclusive, supportive school environment. Lastly, the recommendation to address disciplinary disparities by promoting restorative justice practices is vital for reducing the school-to-prison pipeline and ensuring that Black students are supported rather than punished.

How will you work to ensure special education assessments and placements are more timely and equitable? 

I will push for additional staffing of qualified special education professionals to ensure timely assessments. This includes advocating for lower caseloads for specialists, so they can dedicate more time to individual students. I will also work to implement standardized assessment timelines across the district to reduce delays. Finally, I will advocate for regular audits to ensure that special education programs are equitably distributed across all schools, preventing disparities in assessment and placement based on location or school type.

What should the Board board do to guarantee students are receiving all of their required IEP minutes?

The Board should mandate monthly reviews of IEP compliance at every school, with administrators held accountable for ensuring students receive all required services. Schools should be required to track IEP minutes using a centralized system, making it easier to monitor and report compliance. Additionally, schools must be fully staffed with special education teachers and aides to ensure there are no gaps in services. If staffing shortages exist, the district should prioritize hiring and ensure temporary solutions, like substitute support, are in place.

In 2021, even before the recent influx of asylum seekers, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) put CPS on a corrective action plan because the district was out of compliance with bilingual education requirements. To date, CPS still fails to staff bilingual programs and certified bilingual teachers at all schools that need them. What steps would you advocate for the district to take to solve this problem?

First, I would advocate for an aggressive recruitment campaign to hire more certified bilingual teachers, including offering incentives like loan forgiveness and signing bonuses. Additionally, I would push for partnerships with local universities to create bilingual education pipelines that train and certify new teachers specifically for CPS. Lastly, I would ensure that the district’s budget allocates specific funding for bilingual programs, especially in schools with a high population of students requiring these services, to guarantee compliance with state mandates.

How would you advocate for the reinstatement of comprehensive art, music, and library programs to our schools? 

I would advocate for mandatory funding for art, music, and library programs in every school. These programs are not luxuries; they are critical to a well-rounded education. I would push for a budget that prioritizes the hiring of certified librarians and arts teachers, while also seeking partnerships with arts organizations and local libraries to supplement school programming. Ensuring that every student has access to these programs will foster creativity, literacy, and a love for learning.

Section 5 - School Culture

What do you believe is the role of the Board in fostering a culture of belonging for every CPS student?

The Board’s role in fostering a culture of belonging is to ensure that every student feels valued, seen, and heard. This means creating policies that promote inclusive environments where students can express their identities freely. The Board must ensure schools implement culturally responsive teaching, provide diverse curricula, and support marginalized groups like students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities. Through regular student feedback, listening sessions, and clear accountability measures for school staff, the Board can build an environment where every student feels like they belong.

What are specific steps you will propose to increase in-school mental health support for our children? 

I will propose hiring more social workers, counselors, and mental health professionals to reduce the counselor-to-student ratio, ensuring every child has access to support. I would also advocate for regular mental health screenings in schools and the integration of social-emotional learning into everyday curricula to teach students how to manage stress and emotions. Additionally, I will push for partnerships with mental health organizations to bring external support into schools and help create a network of care for students.

What policies do you propose to help stop bullying in CPS schools?

I will advocate for a zero-tolerance bullying policy that includes both preventive and restorative components. Schools should implement anti-bullying education programs that teach empathy, conflict resolution, and the impact of bullying. Additionally, I will support policies that require schools to implement anonymous reporting systems and hold regular anti-bullying workshops involving students, parents, and staff. For students involved in bullying, both the victim and the bully should have access to restorative justice programs that focus on healing and behavior correction, rather than solely punitive measures.

What specific steps will you take to address and reduce racial bias in our schools, both in terms of pedagogy, curriculum, and disciplinary practices?

To reduce racial bias, I will advocate for implicit bias training for all CPS staff to help them recognize and address unconscious biases. I will push for the adoption of a culturally responsive curriculum that reflects the diversity of CPS students and centers marginalized voices. Regarding discipline, I will push for the expansion of restorative justice practices across all schools to reduce the overuse of suspensions and expulsions, especially against students of color. Data tracking of disciplinary actions disaggregated by race should be regularly reviewed to ensure accountability and equity.

Students who report sexual assault and violence in CPS schools often feel that their voices are not heard. What is your approach to ensuring meaningful accountability and what will you do to ensure that this type of violence stops?

I will push for the creation of a centralized, transparent reporting system that allows students to safely report sexual violence and ensures that each case is followed up with timely investigations. Schools must have clear protocols for addressing allegations, including the provision of mental health support and legal resources for victims. I would also advocate for regular sexual violence prevention education and staff training to ensure schools foster a culture of safety and respect. Clear consequences for offenders and support for survivors should be emphasized to ensure meaningful accountability.

How do you plan to ensure that LGBT+ students are protected and supported in CPS, both in anti-discrimination policy and inclusive curricula?

To ensure LGBT+ students are protected and supported in CPS, I would advocate for the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies that protect all students, including those who identify as LGBT+. It's important to create a safe and respectful environment where all students feel included. Schools should have access to resources like counseling services and student support groups to assist students in need. Additionally, I support a curriculum that promotes understanding and respect for diversity, and I believe that staff should receive training on how to support all students, ensuring an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

Is there anything you would change about the recently adopted Whole School Safety plan? What can the Board do to ensure its implementation?

While the Whole School Safety plan is a step in the right direction, I believe we need stronger restorative justice components to replace punitive measures that disproportionately affect students of color. I would advocate for expanding social-emotional learning programs and increasing the number of mental health professionals in schools to better address behavioral issues at the root. To ensure its implementation, the Board must provide ongoing training for staff and clear guidelines for how each school can incorporate the plan, along with a system of accountability that includes feedback from students and parents.