During a recent council meeting, concerns were raised regarding the significant tax increases imposed by the Collier County School District, which have reportedly reached the highest levels in the district's history. The school board's budget for the current year includes a staggering $120 million tax hike, prompting criticism from local officials and candidates.

Mister Henning, a county commissioner, highlighted discrepancies in the school board's financial management, claiming that the budget is \"purposely misleading.\" He pointed out that the district has accumulated $377 million in unspent funds, alongside an additional $280 million earmarked for capital improvements, yet continues to impose higher taxes on residents. Henning urged council members to advocate for a rollback of these taxes, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility.

Dr. Pam Cunningham, a Republican candidate for the school board, echoed these sentiments, describing the district's budget as \"bloated\" and unsustainable. She noted that the school district's budget has nearly doubled over the past eight years, growing from $800 million to almost $1.6 billion. Cunningham criticized the current board members for their role in this expansion and provided a stark comparison between the costs of two new elementary schools being constructed—one by a charter school and the other by the public school district. The charter school, which will serve 1,500 students, is being built for $67 million, while the public school, designed for only 999 students, is projected to cost $83 million.

Both speakers called for greater accountability and a reassessment of the school district's financial practices, urging the council to take action against what they perceive as excessive taxation and mismanagement of taxpayer funds.