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Lanetta Thomas
Lanetta Thomas ran for election to the Chicago Public Schools school board to represent District 9b in Illinois. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Thomas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2024
See also: Chicago Public Schools, Illinois, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Chicago Public Schools school board District 9b
Therese Boyle defeated Lanetta Thomas, La'Mont Raymond Williams, and Miquel Lewis in the general election for Chicago Public Schools school board District 9b on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Therese Boyle (Nonpartisan) | 36.3 | 33,140 |
Lanetta Thomas (Nonpartisan)  | 29.1 | 26,568 | ||
| La'Mont Raymond Williams (Nonpartisan) | 17.7 | 16,197 | ||
| Miquel Lewis (Nonpartisan) | 16.8 | 15,355 | ||
| Total votes: 91,260 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Brittany Bailey Preston (Nonpartisan)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Thomas in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Lanetta Thomas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Thomas' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- Equitable Education for Every Child: As a former CPS student and a mother of two daughters with special needs, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child in Chicago has access to a high-quality education. I will advocate for inclusive policies and support systems that address the diverse needs of all learners, regardless of their background or ability.
- Community-Driven Solutions: With a background as a community activist since high school, I understand the power of grassroots advocacy in driving positive change. I will work collaboratively with parents, educators, and community members to address issues such as educational equity, school safety, and access to resources. Together, we can empower our communities and create a brighter future for all CPS students.
- Advocacy for Marginalized Communities: As a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and a neurodivergent learner myself, I bring a unique perspective to the table. I will be a strong advocate for marginalized communities, amplifying their voices and fighting for policies that promote equity, justice, and inclusion in our schools.
Community-Centered Solutions: Engaging parents, educators, and communities is crucial. I'll prioritize collaborative approaches to issues like school safety and curriculum development, fostering empowerment within CPS.
One of the reasons I believe "Sister Outsider" is a valuable resource is because Lorde's work transcends the conventional boundaries of political discourse. She challenges traditional notions of power, advocating for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of politics that centers the experiences of marginalized communities, particularly Black women.
Through her essays, Lorde explores the interconnectedness of race, gender, sexuality, and class, shedding light on the complex dynamics of power and privilege. She emphasizes the importance of embracing difference and diversity in political thought, arguing that true liberation can only be achieved through solidarity and collective action.
Furthermore, Lorde's emphasis on the transformative power of empathy, creativity, and self-expression resonates deeply with me. She encourages readers to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, advocating for a politics of empathy and compassion.
Transparency: Committing to openness and accessibility in governance, providing information and engaging with the community.
Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with the diverse needs and perspectives of constituents, advocating for equitable policies and solutions.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and actions, being responsive to feedback and holding oneself and others to high standards.
Budget Oversight: Ensure responsible stewardship of public funds by approving the district budget and allocating resources to support student learning and well-being.
Advocacy and Representation: Advocate for the interests of students, families, and the community in decision-making processes, serving as a voice for constituents and championing equity and inclusion.
Community Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, solicit input, and foster partnerships with parents, educators, and community organizations to promote collaboration and trust.
Policy Development: Develop and review district policies to ensure they align with state and federal laws, promote student achievement, and reflect community values.
Student Achievement and Equity: Monitor student achievement data, identify achievement gaps, and implement initiatives to promote equity and support student success.
School Improvement: Support struggling schools, monitor school performance, and hold schools accountable for academic outcomes and adherence to district policies.
Educational Innovation: Promote innovative teaching and learning approaches, support professional development for educators, and foster a culture of excellence.
Legislative Advocacy: Advocate for policies and funding at local, state, and federal levels that benefit public education and address systemic inequities.
Accountability: Ensure transparency and accountability in district operations, promote ethical conduct, and uphold the public trust in governance.
Student Support: Enhance access to resources like tutoring and mental health counseling, addressing disparities and meeting marginalized students' needs. Implement culturally responsive curriculum and foster inclusive environments through anti-bias training and student-led diversity initiatives.
Faculty and Staff: Prioritize diversity in recruitment and offer ongoing professional development in cultural competence and inclusive leadership. Forge partnerships for mentorship and growth opportunities, promoting retention and morale.
Community Engagement: Facilitate dialogue with stakeholders to address systemic barriers to equity. Establish advisory councils for shared accountability and expand access to wraparound services, strengthening community support networks.
Community Forums and Town Halls: Hosting regular community forums and town hall meetings to provide updates, gather feedback, and address concerns.
Collaborative Projects: Partnering with local organizations, businesses, and faith-based groups on collaborative projects that benefit the community and promote shared goals.
Advisory Committees: Establishing advisory committees composed of community members, parents, educators, and students to provide input and guidance on key issues.
Cultural Events and Celebrations: Participating in cultural events and celebrations within diverse communities to foster connections and celebrate diversity.
Open Communication Channels: Maintaining open communication channels through newsletters, social media, and other platforms to keep the community informed and engaged.
Measuring good teaching involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative measures, including classroom observations, student feedback, assessment results, and teacher self-reflection. To support advanced teaching approaches, I will prioritize ongoing professional development, offering opportunities focused on innovative teaching practices, technology integration, and student engagement. I will also encourage peer collaboration, facilitating opportunities for teachers to share best practices, lesson plans, and resources. Furthermore, recognizing and rewarding teachers who demonstrate excellence in their teaching practices will be vital, offering incentives such as awards, stipends, or leadership opportunities to encourage innovation and continuous improvement. By prioritizing these strategies, we can support teachers in implementing advanced teaching approaches that enhance student learning and prepare students for success.
Arts Integration Across Subjects: Incorporating arts into core subjects like math, science, and history to enhance creativity, critical thinking, and engagement.
Diverse Cultural Education: Expanding curriculum to include diverse perspectives, histories, and cultural traditions, ensuring all students see themselves reflected in their education.
Access to Arts Resources: Providing access to arts resources, such as music, theater, dance, and visual arts programs, in every school regardless of zip code or funding level.
Community Partnerships: Partnering with local artists, cultural institutions, and arts organizations to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to professional arts careers.
Innovative Programming: Implementing innovative arts programs, such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiatives, arts-based therapies, and digital media production courses, to prepare students for 21st-century careers.
Equitable Funding Formula: Advocating for a more equitable funding formula that allocates resources based on the needs of students, prioritizing schools in underserved communities.
Grants and Partnerships: Seeking grants, corporate sponsorships, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to supplement funding and support innovative programs.
Efficient Resource Allocation: Conducting a comprehensive review of district spending to identify inefficiencies and reallocate resources where needed, prioritizing classroom instruction and student support services.
Advocacy at State Level: Lobbying state legislators for increased education funding and advocating for policies that support public schools, teachers, and students.
Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring transparency in budgeting processes and engaging stakeholders in decision-making to build trust and accountability within the community.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services: Implementing comprehensive mental health services within schools, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, ensures students, faculty, and staff have access to professional assistance when needed.
Training and Education: Providing training and education on mental health awareness, stress management, and self-care for faculty and staff equips them with the tools to recognize signs of distress and offer appropriate support.
Peer Support Programs: Establishing peer support programs where students, faculty, and staff can connect with trained peers for support and guidance fosters a sense of community and reduces stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Promoting Mental Wellness: Promoting mental wellness initiatives such as mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and wellness workshops encourages proactive approaches to maintaining mental health and well-being.
Collaboration with Community Resources: Collaborating with community mental health organizations and agencies to provide additional support and resources outside of the school setting ensures students, faculty, and staff have access to a network of support.
Creating Safe Spaces: Establishing safe spaces within schools where students, faculty, and staff feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns without fear of judgment or stigma fosters an environment of openness and support.
Integration into Curriculum: Integrating mental health education into the curriculum helps normalize discussions around mental health and equips students with knowledge and skills to manage their own mental well-being.
Because they make up everything!
Streamlined IEP Processes: Improve the efficiency of accessing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in both public and private schools, reducing bureaucratic barriers and ensuring timely support for students with special needs.
Increased Support Staff: Boost the number of support staff, including social workers, special education teachers, and support personnel, in both public and private schools. This ensures adequate support for students with disabilities and promotes inclusive learning environments.
Equitable Support for Impoverished Neighborhood Schools: Mandate adequate support, staffing, and funding for schools in impoverished neighborhoods, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Equity and Access: All students receive high-quality education, addressing systemic barriers like poverty and discrimination. Resources such as textbooks and technology are available to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Collaborative Learning: Students engage in collaborative activities promoting critical thinking and communication skills. Group projects and discussions encourage teamwork and learning from peers.
Diverse Curriculum: Curriculum reflects diverse experiences and perspectives, ensuring every student feels represented. Materials from various cultural backgrounds are integrated, promoting inclusivity.
Personalized Learning: Recognizing diverse learning needs, instruction is tailored to individual interests and abilities. Differentiated instruction and flexible pacing accommodate various learning styles.
Supportive Environment: A positive school climate fosters a sense of safety and belonging. Respectful interactions among students and teachers discourage bullying and harassment.
Social-Emotional Learning: Alongside academics, students develop social and emotional skills like self-awareness and empathy. Explicit instruction and opportunities for reflection enhance these competencies.
Technology Integration: Thoughtful use of technology enhances instruction and resource accessibility. Students have access to devices and internet, with teachers trained in effective integration.
Continuous Improvement: Embracing a culture of growth, the learning environment prioritizes ongoing assessment and professional development. Feedback informs instructional practices and keeps educators abreast of current research.
Improved Remote Learning: Ensure all students have access to reliable internet and devices for online education.
Support for At-Risk Students: Provide targeted interventions for those disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Mental Health Resources: Increase access to counseling and therapy for emotional support.
Flexibility: Adopt a flexible approach to education delivery to quickly adapt to changing conditions.
Communication: Enhance transparency with stakeholders about safety protocols and support services.
Equity: Prioritize equity and inclusion to meet the needs of all students, especially those from marginalized communities.
Open Communication Channels: Establish regular communication through newsletters, email updates, and social media to keep parents informed about district initiatives and events.
Accessible Engagement Opportunities: Organize parent meetings, workshops, and forums to gather feedback and involve parents in decision-making processes, ensuring inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
Collaborative Partnerships: Work closely with parent organizations and community groups to address challenges and advocate for student needs, leveraging collective expertise and resources.
Parent Education and Empowerment: Provide resources and training to empower parents to support their child's education at home and engage effectively with the school community.
Community-Based Recruitment Events: Partnering with local community organizations, cultural centers, and affinity groups to host recruitment events and job fairs tailored to diverse populations, providing opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development.
Grow-Your-Own Programs: Establishing pipelines for recruiting and supporting aspiring educators from within our district's student body, particularly targeting underrepresented students and those from marginalized communities, providing scholarships, mentorship, and pathways to licensure and employment within our schools.
Virtual Recruitment Platforms: Leveraging technology to reach a broader pool of candidates and streamline the recruitment process, hosting virtual job fairs, interviews, and information sessions to connect with candidates from across the country and around the world.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Embedding diversity and inclusion criteria into job postings, recruitment materials, and selection processes, ensuring that candidates from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and welcomed within our district.
Creative Incentives and Benefits: Offering innovative incentives and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent, such as student loan forgiveness programs, housing assistance, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements, prioritizing the holistic well-being and professional growth of our faculty, staff, and administration.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Chicago Public Schools school board District 9b |
Personal |
Footnotes
