After much debate today, the Hamilton County Board of Education approved Superintendent Rick Smith's budget proposal, which calls for an extra $34 million in schools spending.
Altogether, the board is seeking to spend $433.6 million during the 2015-16 school year, including $379 million in general purpose spending.
The budget proposal passed 7-2. Board members Rhonda Thurman and Greg Martin voted against the measure.
Smith is seeking significant spending hikes in order to implement art and foreign language classes at all the county's elementary schools. He also hopes to improve teacher pay and benefits and update school technology.
Smith has suggested raising the $34 million through a 40-cent countywide property tax hike - which would raise the tax rate to $3.16 per $100 of assessed value and add $150 annually to the tax bill of a $150,000 home.
The budget proposal will now go to the Hamilton County Commission for consideration.