Lanetta M. Thomas, candidate for the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education District 9, said “we have to separate the politics out of our education” and focus on funding schools sustainably, noting concerns about local food access and the use of election funds instead of school resources.
“If the state is not going to do it, why don't we build the money for our schools and make these schools sustainable and bring the programming to our children?" said Thomas on the Lake Forest podcast. “Right now, CCU has allocated $4 million for the next election. Why are we using all this money? It's the teacher's right now. Now, when they go on strike, they can't lose their houses, homes—I mean, their homes, their cars, and everything—when they go on strike. But you have $4 million available for an election.”
“We have to separate the politics out of our education, of our students," said Thomas. “We have to make sure, when we're being the alderman of a ward, that the only—the only—rest of the grocery store is a Walmart. Walmart has had over 50 recalls in the past year alone for its food. That is a problem if that's the only viable food in our community; that is a problem. I drive all the way to Mariano's in Evergreen Park, or to Whole Foods in Evergreen Park, because I refuse to shop there.”
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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