County Mayor Jim Coppinger and County School Supt. Bryan Johnson, at a press conference Wednesday morning, urged the County Commission to pass a 34-cent property tax increase for the schools.
The Commission will vote on the budget on June 26.
Commissioners David Sharpe, Warren Mackey and Katherlyn Geter were among commissioners at the rally outside the County Courthouse. They are considered supporters of the increase.
Commissioner Tim Boyd, who is opposed, arrived later, as did Commissioner Chip Baker.
County Mayor Coppinger said the $34 million increase for the schools "is needed to ensure that the next generation of Hamilton County students are prepared to meet the demands they will face."
He said of Dr. Johnson, "I believe we have the right person at the right time. He has laid out a bold vision and has tightened the belt at the Department of Education."
County Mayor Coppinger said, "This is really an emotional time for me."
He said citizens standing behind him on the courthouse steps, "are a great cross-section of our community."
Dr. Johnson said there had already been a number of achievements during his tenure, including higher academic scores, an improved graduation rate and a tripling of scholarships to students. He said, "There have been so many phenomenal things happen in our school system, but we are at a critical moment." He said there had been over $6 million in budget cuts "as we right-sized our staffing model."