Lanetta M. Thomas – District 9

I have dedicated my career and community activism to improving the lives of underserved children and combating systemic racism. As the 9th Ward Captain and Student Government Association President at Chicago State University, I organized care package drives during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential supplies to students in need. I also led initiatives advocating for student welfare, including food and coat drives, which directly supported underserved youth in my community.

In my work with SOUL, I have contributed to efforts like the Budget for Black Lives, the Coalition to End Money Bond, the Safe-T Act, and Water for All. These initiatives aim to address systemic inequalities, including those affecting students and families in marginalized communities. My experiences as a CPS student, facing and overcoming challenges within the system, have fueled my ongoing efforts to ensure that no student is left behind due to systemic barriers.

My long-term vision for CPS is to create an equitable, high-quality education system where every student has access to resources, regardless of their zip code. To achieve this, I would champion policies focused on fair funding for schools, ensuring that budget allocations prioritize underfunded schools in marginalized communities. I will also advocate for mandatory funding for arts, music, and vocational programs, recognizing that diverse learning opportunities are essential for holistic student development. Additionally, I support implementing restorative justice practices to address disciplinary disparities and promote a positive school culture. Empowering Local School Councils to make decisions that best suit their community’s needs, including choosing principals and determining school safety policies, will also be a key focus in realizing this vision.

Engaging with and being accountable to the communities within my subdistrict involves maintaining open lines of communication and fostering genuine partnerships with parents, students, teachers, and community organizations. I plan to host regular town hall meetings, listening sessions, and school visits to hear firsthand the concerns and suggestions of community members. To ensure these voices are considered in board decisions, I will establish a community advisory council representing diverse perspectives within the subdistrict. This council will play an active role in advising on policies, budget priorities, and initiatives, creating a direct channel for community input into decision-making processes.

A school board member must find a balance between advocating for their subdistrict’s unique needs and considering the broader landscape of Chicago’s public education. While my primary responsibility is to represent the children within my subdistrict, systemic challenges often impact students citywide. Therefore, I will advocate for policies that ensure equitable resources and opportunities for all students across Chicago while addressing the specific needs and issues within my subdistrict. It’s vital to prioritize initiatives that uplift historically underserved communities, ultimately benefiting both local and citywide student populations.

To address the budget deficit, I would advocate for a combination of revenue enhancements and efficient resource allocation. Exploring public-private partnerships, grants, and city revenue opportunities can generate additional funding. Additionally, restructuring budgets to prioritize essential programs, such as special education, mental health services, and after-school programs, can help ensure resources are used effectively. I would also consider borrowing, but only if there is a clear benefit for the students and a solid plan to manage future repayment. I fully support a third-party independent audit of CPS to provide transparency, identify areas for cost-saving, and build community trust.

To ensure equitable funding, I would advocate for a funding formula that prioritizes schools with the highest needs. This includes factors such as student poverty rates, special education services, English language learners, and facilities’ conditions. The Board should engage in a needs-based assessment for each school, ensuring that resources are allocated to address disparities in access to quality education. Additionally, the Board should involve Local School Councils (LSCs) in these discussions, as they have the closest understanding of their community’s unique needs.

I would advocate for targeted resource allocation to these schools, prioritizing funding for mental health services, smaller class sizes, high-quality teachers, and robust academic support programs. Implementing restorative justice practices is also crucial to fostering a supportive school environment and reducing disciplinary disparities. I support creating programs that focus on culturally relevant pedagogy and curriculum to engage students and provide them with an education that reflects their identities. Additionally, I will push for increased funding and access to Career Technical Education (CTE) and vocational programs to ensure students have diverse opportunities for future success.

I would advocate for appointing individuals to the Committee who have a deep understanding of the challenges facing Black students in CPS, including educators, community leaders, and parents. To ensure the Committee is adequately staffed and funded, I would push for dedicated budget allocations specifically for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of its work in closing the opportunity gap. Additionally, I would work with community partners, advocacy groups, and local stakeholders to provide support and expertise, ensuring that the Committee has the necessary resources to develop and implement effective strategies.

Selective enrollment, charter, magnet, and gifted programs have a place in offering diverse educational opportunities. However, we must ensure these programs are accessible to all students, particularly those from underserved communities. I would advocate for transparent and equitable admission processes that consider a holistic view of students’ abilities and potential. Additionally, I would support initiatives to provide resources and support services in neighborhood schools so that quality education is not limited to just these specialized programs.

I would prioritize increasing funding for bilingual education programs, including hiring more certified bilingual teachers and expanding access to English Language Learner (ELL) resources. Providing professional development for teachers on culturally responsive teaching practices is also essential. Collaborating with community organizations that serve migrant populations can help provide additional support and create a welcoming environment for these students.

I would advocate for an increase in funding specifically earmarked for special education services, ensuring that schools have adequate staffing, including school psychologists and specialized educators. Recruiting and retaining qualified special education professionals should be a top priority, potentially through offering competitive salaries and professional development opportunities. Additionally, I would push for improved transportation services for special needs students and hold the district accountable by supporting regular audits of special education programs to ensure compliance with federal laws.

Yes, I support implementing and funding CPS’s whole school safety plan, as it focuses on creating a positive school climate and addressing safety holistically. To improve school safety further, I would advocate for increased mental health support, restorative justice programs, and training for staff to handle conflict resolution. Establishing partnerships with community organizations can provide additional resources to create an inclusive environment where students feel valued and heard.

To reduce absenteeism, I would promote comprehensive support services that address the root causes, such as mental health issues, housing instability, and transportation barriers. Implementing mentorship programs, providing access to school-based health services, and engaging families in collaborative problem-solving can help address these challenges. Additionally, I would advocate for flexible scheduling and expanded after-school programs to provide students with more opportunities to engage with their education in ways that suit their individual circumstances.

To expand dual credit opportunities, I would advocate for partnerships between CPS and local colleges like our City Colleges, ensuring that high schools have the resources and faculty needed to offer these courses. We should focus on creating accessible dual credit pathways, particularly in schools serving underserved communities. I would also push for financial support and incentives to make these programs more available to students, eliminating barriers to participation

While I support maintaining some level of autonomy for schools to tailor their curriculum, I would advocate for a baseline of high-quality, evidence-aligned instructional materials, like the Skyline curriculum. I would also ensure that teachers receive the necessary training to effectively implement these materials, fostering consistency in educational quality across the district. Schools should have access to resources and support to adapt the curriculum to meet their students’ unique needs.

I would advocate for enhanced training and support for LSC members, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions. By increasing LSCs’ involvement in budgeting, curriculum choices, and principal hiring, we can ensure that they have a meaningful role in shaping their schools’ direction. Additionally, I would support the creation of a centralized platform for LSCs to share best practices and collaborate on common challenges, empowering them to represent their communities effectively.

I believe principals should be granted more autonomy to focus on the strategic direction and culture of their schools, with district administration providing necessary support rather than burdensome bureaucracy. Hiring and retaining principals should largely rest with Local School Councils, as they best understand the unique needs of their communities. However, the district should maintain oversight to ensure that LSCs have the necessary training and resources to make informed decisions.

I would work to involve local communities in deciding the future of these empty buildings, exploring options that could benefit children and families, such as community centers, childcare facilities, vocational training hubs, or spaces for after-school programs. A community-led approach would ensure these buildings serve the needs of their neighborhoods. To address underutilization, I would propose a thorough analysis of current school capacity versus enrollment trends, using this data to guide responsible facilities planning. Funding for these initiatives could come from a combination of city funds, partnerships with community organizations, and grant opportunities aimed at community development.

I would approach collective bargaining with a collaborative mindset, emphasizing open communication and the shared goal of improving student outcomes. I would advocate for a process that acknowledges teachers’ and principals’ needs while focusing on the importance of equitable resources, manageable class sizes, and support services for students. Productive negotiations require a commitment to finding solutions that work for educators and prioritize student success.

In my subdistrict, ensuring that every school has access to adequate funding, arts and vocational programs, mental health services, and resources for special education is a priority. I also strongly advocate for enhancing early childhood education, recognizing that a solid foundation is crucial for lifelong learning and success. Additionally, I support refurbishing schools, focusing on eliminating asbestos and mold to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our children. I am committed to keeping neighborhood schools open and revitalizing underutilized facilities to serve as community hubs. I will work closely with Local School Councils and community members to address these concerns and create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.