Meet Lanetta M. Thomas, candidate for the Chicago school board’s 9th District
Academics
About 31% of Chicago Public Schools elementary students are meeting state standards in reading, and 19% are meeting math standards. How would you approach growing reading and math achievement?*
To improve reading and math achievement, we need to invest in early literacy programs, provide targeted interventions for struggling students and ensure access to high-quality instructional materials and trained educators. Additionally, integrating arts and music education can enhance critical thinking and support academic growth in these core subjects.
Do you support standardized testing more than once a year?
No. Standardized testing can place undue stress on students and teachers. We should focus on holistic assessments and ongoing evaluations that support student growth.
Do you support requiring all schools to select from a certain curriculum authorized by the board of education?
No. Requiring all schools to select from a board-authorized curriculum can ensure consistency and that all students receive a high-quality education with access to culturally relevant and updated materials. This approach helps standardize learning objectives and ensures that essential topics are covered comprehensively. However, it is also important to allow flexibility so that schools can adapt the curriculum to meet the specific needs of their students and incorporate local context and cultural relevance. Balancing standardization with adaptability can help achieve both equity and innovation in education.
Chicago Public Schools has consistently fallen short when it comes to serving students with disabilities. What would you do to improve special education?
Improving special education requires fully funding and implementing special education resources, reducing class sizes and ensuring all students receive their dedicated minutes. Additionally, providing mental health support, trauma-informed training for staff and advocating for comprehensive services are essential steps. It’s crucial to ensure that students needing SECAs [special education classroom assistants] receive help immediately after the 10-day observation period and evaluation is conducted and approved. We must also integrate disability justice into the sex ed curriculum, as excluding disabled students from these classes is dangerous and unjust. Ensuring comprehensive inclusion in all aspects of education is vital for their success and well-being.
CPS finances
In recent years, Chicago’s Board of Education has consistently raised the property tax levy to the maximum allowed by state law every year. Should the board continue to raise the levy to the maximum?
No. We need to explore other progressive revenue sources and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Alternative strategies to raise funds include: [state] evidence-based funding, state and federal grants, corporate sponsorships and partnerships, community fundraising initiatives, education bonds, leveraging existing resources.
Do you think CPS needs more funding, or do you think the school district’s budget is bloated? How would you balance the CPS budget?*
CPS needs more funding to address the significant disparities in resources and support services. We must advocate for progressive revenue sources and equitable distribution of funds. Balancing the budget requires a focus on transparency, eliminating inefficiencies and prioritizing spending on direct student support and essential services.
School choice
Do you support the current board of education’s decision to prioritize neighborhood schools and shift away from the current system of school choice with selective enrollment, magnet and charter schools?
No. It’s important to find a middle ground where neighborhood schools are adequately funded and supported while still offering options that cater to diverse student interests and learning styles. Maintaining a balanced approach that includes school choice can provide families with the flexibility to select schools that best meet their children’s needs.
Given the board of education’s decision to prioritize neighborhood schools, how would you balance supporting those schools without undermining the city’s selective enrollment schools and other specialized programs?*
We need to ensure that all schools, including neighborhood and selective enrollment schools, have the resources and support they need to succeed. This includes equitable funding, access to specialized programs and fostering collaboration between schools to share best practices.
The first charter school opened in Chicago in 1997 and these privately run, publicly funded schools grew in number throughout the 2000s. Today, 54,000 Chicago Public Schools students, or about 17%, attend charters and contract schools. Do you support having charter schools in CPS as an option for students?
Yes. Charter schools in CPS present an alternative to traditional public schools, offering unique educational approaches and environments. However, it is essential to maintain high standards of accountability and transparency for all schools, including charter schools. Prioritizing equitable funding and resources across all school types is crucial to ensuring that every student receives a quality education. Balancing innovation with accountability is vital to addressing the diverse needs of students in Chicago.
Independence
If elected, how will you maintain your independence from the mayor’s office, the Chicago Teachers Union or other powerful forces shaping the school system?*
I believe we all need to work together for the benefit of the students. The mayor’s office and other powerful forces must collaborate on behalf of the student voice, not special interests. My focus will always be on what benefits the kids. If the conversation isn’t centered around their needs, then it isn’t a conversation worth having. By prioritizing student welfare and ensuring transparency, I will maintain my independence and advocate solely for the best interests of our students.
Police in schools
Do you support having sworn Chicago Police Department officers stationed in schools?
No. I support officers being in schools only if they are truly providing “resources,” or participating in restorative practices or civic engagement to students. Otherwise, the role of “Resource Officer” should be filled by social workers. Social workers can create action plans that address students’ needs, provide shelter and offer stability, which is essential for their well-being and academic success.
Busing and facilities
Last year, in an effort to prioritize transportation for students with disabilities as required by state and federal law, CPS canceled busing for general education students who attend selective enrollment and magnet schools and hasn’t found a solution to reinstate that service. Do you support busing for general education students?
Yes. Access to transportation is essential for ensuring all students can attend schools that meet their needs.
About one-third of Chicago public school buildings have space for at least double the students they’re currently enrolling. Chicago officials have previously viewed under-enrolled schools as an inefficient use of limited resources — and a decade ago the city closed a record 50 schools. Do you support closing schools for low enrollment?
No. Closing schools disrupts communities. We should explore other options like merging resources or repurposing space for community use.
Bilingual education
CPS has long struggled to comply with state and federal laws requiring bilingual programs at schools that enroll 20 or more students who speak a different language. The recent influx of migrant families has exacerbated the problem. What policies do you support to ensure the district is supporting bilingual students and in compliance with state and federal laws?
We must ensure that all teachers are certified to teach English Language Learners, provide free certification for teachers, expand dual-language programs and support culturally relevant curricula. Additionally, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws is critical to meeting the needs of bilingual students.
Top local issue
Please share one issue that’s a top concern for your community or your larger elected school board voting district.
One top concern is the lack of equitable funding across schools. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education and the resources they need to thrive.