School and city leaders and elected representatives have been meeting behind closed doors for weeks in an effort to create a framework for budget discussions and a shared vision for the city’s schools.

As part of those negotiations, School Board members had signaled a willingness to temper their request before passing it along to Stoney in a nod to cooperation.

Board member Elizabeth Doerr of the 1st District said she had floated the option of a tempered, $8.5 million request for additional local funding last week but was swayed by those who said it was more important to paint a clear picture of the district’s needs.

The prospect of asking for less than what Superintendent Dana T. Bedden, as required by state law, told the board that schools need riled members of the advocacy group Support Our Schools, which deemed the move a “lie by omission” in a release urging volunteers to speak against the move at Tuesday’s meeting.

Many showed up to urge board members to request the full amount. They nearly did, stripping only $1.7 million for staff development from what Bedden said was needed.