For months now the debate regarding the proposed 2016 School budget has raged, with two very distinct sides emerging. On one side there is the “the budget has been cut repeatedly” position and on the other side you have the “The budget has swelled to unacceptable levels” mantra.

With each side desperate to have their narrative accepted into public consciousness as fact, both have spent a good amount of energy discussing only the specific “facts” that align with their position.

What’s a regular citizen to do when the time comes to make an informed decision on how to vote?

I believe the most practical approach to any of this is to go back to the basics. Start at the total requested funding (i.e. the proposed budget) and review that number before we start discussing the manner in which the budget will be funded (state vs. local). At the end of the day the numbers are the numbers, regardless of how anyone would care to present them.

To do this simple exercise in understanding the numbers, all we need to do is review the funding allocated to the school budget, as referenced on the town website.

For the budget period of 2015 (this year) the costs for school services was $36,167,345.

For the budget period of 2016 (next year) the most recent proposed budget for school services is $38,630,225.

This means that the amount requested in additional funding for 2016 currently stands at $2,462,880 (a 6.24 percent increase from last year). Regardless of where that money eventually comes from, the fact that we are spending $38,630,225 on the school this year cannot be disputed.

Once we understand the numbers, we can finally have a discussion on the relative merits of the increased funding, what funding it takes to run a quality school, where the funding needs to come from and how the board of education defines “level services.” Additionally it brings into focus which areas of the budget are accounting for the propensity of the spending and how that allocation is being determined.

What we have been told is that the 6.24 percent increase in funding means that the BOE will be forced to cut a majority of extra curricular activities and sports for all 7th and 8th grade students, as well as the loss of some specific sports and activities for high school students. Essentially, they are stating that the 6.24 percent increase in funding for 2016 is not adequate to maintain “level services.”

As a taxpayer, with a strong desire to see the schools succeed, I want to understand why an additional $2.4 million in funding means cuts to valuable student experiences. Where did that additional funding go, if not to programs that benefit the students?

We need to have a better understanding of what the BOE believes is required in yearly increases to properly educate our children, without cuts to programs and to maintain “level services.” What is the required yearly percentage increase they would suggest is needed to grow our schools if 6.24 percent is insufficient?

We need to understand why the BOE feels that Scarborough is negligent in prioritizing the schools’ needs, when school funding since 2011 has increased by 36 percent (the 2011 school budget was $28.1 million).

We need to understand what the next 3- to 5-year outlook will be for school needs and the associated budgets that will be required to support these needs. How should we be planning for the budgetary needs of the school, what increases are we likely to see?

If we are underfunded as a school, let’s figure out why and fix it. If the school is lagging behind because it isn’t getting the revenue required, then let’s understand what needs to happen to shore this up. Blaming the state for a reduction in funding is not an effective strategy for either side to continue to pursue (let our legislators battle that). How does that change the fact that we are still adding an additional $2.4 million into the budget for this year? A 6.24 percent increase is still an increase.

I believe in supporting our schools. I believe in ensuring our teachers are well compensated (they are a cherished resource) and I believe we should be providing experiences outside of the classroom through extracurricular activities for our students. I believe I have a responsibility to do my part and pay my fair share (or even more if needed) to support our schools. Good schools cost money to run, that is just a fact of life. I am happy to support programs, initiatives and advancements at our schools, which keep us at a steady pace of development. For that commitment I just expect that we have a clear view on how my money is being spent and a belief that there is a solid plan in place from the people spending the money.

I think we have a trust deficit in this town that has gone on far too long. It seems we can’t get through any issue without it turning into contentious rancor, with too many of our elected leaders having a personal agenda to fulfill. We deserve better. We deserve to know the truth, the facts and the impact on our community without all the “spin” and “narratives” that are distorting the figures.

Our children are our future, let’s teach them the valuable lesson of honesty, integrity and trust by demonstrating we are capable of these traits as adults. Set aside the “spin” and let’s put truth back into these discussions. Until we do this we can never solve these problems and we’ll be right back here, at square one next year.

Liam Somers is a resident of Scarborough.