Joe Weiss, co-host of the Lake Forest Podcast, said some states have introduced “school choice” programs, often called vouchers, allowing families to select schools outside the public system, giving lower- and middle-income families options similar to wealthier families, while noting that CPS and some suburban schools often do not use funds efficiently.
“A lot of other states have introduced some form of school choice," said Weiss on the Lake Forest podcast. “I hate to use the word 'voucher' because it has negative connotations, but essentially it is a voucher system. Florida was a pioneer of this. Jeb Bush, when he was governor, allowed families—primarily wealthy ones—to send their kids to any school they could afford. J.B. Pritzker sent his kids to private school; although he lives in Chicago, he did not send them to CPS. The same applies to many Chicago politicians over the years, including President Obama when he lived in Chicago.”
“School choice would give lower- and middle-income families options like wealthy families have," said Weiss. “Since we are already paying taxes, instead of having those funds go to CPS, which often mismanages money, families could use them for schools of their choice. I would also argue that many suburban public schools do not spend money effectively.”
This full episode is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
This episode of the Lake Forest Podcast features Zoe Leigh, co-founder of Chicago Flips Red, and Lanetta M. Thomas, candidate for the Chicago Board of Education, discussing issues such as eminent domain, CPS politics, crime, financial accountability, and the broader impact of Chicago’s decisions on Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. The conversation highlights how Chicago’s policies on taxes, schools, and safety create ripple effects across the North Shore, directly influencing local communities. Both guests share their backgrounds, political involvement, and perspectives on why Chicago’s future direction matters beyond city limits.
The Lake Forest podcast is hosted by Pete Jansons, an entrepreneur with a background in neuroscience; Rick Lesser, an attorney and former village trustee; and Joe Weiss, who has experience in multiple government and public service positions. The podcast covers topics and politics impacting the area around the city of Lake Forest, according to the Lake Forest podcast website.
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