During a recent government meeting, community member Marnie Navarro voiced her concerns regarding the financial management of Libertyville's District 128 schools. As a lifelong resident and parent, Navarro highlighted the district's substantial $100 million annual budget, which she noted is primarily funded by local property taxes. She pointed out that a staggering 72% of the budget constitutes a surplus, with an expenditure of approximately $28,000 per student annually for the district's 3,300 students.

Navarro emphasized the heavy tax burden on residents, stating that Clay County has the highest property taxes in Illinois, with over 77% allocated to schools. She expressed frustration over the continuous rise in property taxes, which increased by 8.5% this year alone, and warned that many families are being \"taxed to death.\" This financial strain, she argued, is forcing long-time residents to reconsider their ability to remain in the community.

In her remarks, Navarro also raised concerns about the declining performance of District 128, citing lower standardized test scores and decreasing enrollment. She criticized the lack of a standardized grading scale and expressed disappointment in what she described as wasteful spending within the district over the past three and a half years. Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among parents and taxpayers who are increasingly vigilant about the district's financial decisions and their impact on the quality of education.