For the past three months, the town of Monmouth has been engaged in a contentious, sometimes bitter, battle over school funding. The unfortunate result of the process is that everyone involved lost.

The underlying issue is simple – times are tough, and residents cannot bear more tax increases. The school system has become the object of the “no new tax” movement and is bearing the brunt of broader frustration with local, state and federal economic conditions.

I wish that residents would put down their weapons and look at things a little differently.

Some things to consider:

• Residents should be proud of the financial operations of our schools. Monmouth has one of the lowest costs-per-pupil in the region and state.

• Recent tax increases are not due to the schools. The recent re-appraisal, including waterfront adjustments, has nothing to do with the schools.

• Taxpayers are mortgaging their own future. Critical facility upgrades for the schools have been deferred. If not properly maintained, taxpayers in the future will bear the cost of new/replacement facilities.

• Costs will rise. The only way to offset increased costs of education and maintain town infrastructure is to increase the tax base.

I hope that all parties in this debate recognize that everyone is on the same side. Everyone wants to preserve the financial and operational future of the town.

Failure to properly fund the school system will negatively impact children, teachers and, in the long term, the taxpayers.

Jim Grandahl, Monmouth