What a waste of goodwill.

Five weeks ago, Butler School Board unanimously approved a balanced 2018-19 tentative budget that would finish next year with a surplus, would not raise taxes and at the same time would expand the district’s half-day kindergarten to full-day.

It was to be the first budget prepared for the district by new Superintendent Brian White. It was to be only the fourth in 29 years to balance without a tax hike, and the second in 29 years not to require a tax increase or a raid on reserve funds.

Our editorial sang the highest praises for White’s accomplishment. We called it remarkable and said the board and administration alike were to be congratulated for their hard work — how it was the perfect response to the rhetorical question asked two years earlier by then-school board candidate (and now board president) Nina Teff: “How can you with certainty feel that this is best for the taxpayer?”

Now, it appears our high praise might have been premature.

The board this week asked White to revise the budget and reflect a 1.5-mill increase in the property tax rate. A hand vote for the $650,000 cash infusion was unanimous.

It also is totally unnecessary.

The superintendent stressed the increase as an optional add-on to the draft budget.

“Our budget is balanced,” White told the board. “I don’t need a tax increase next year.”

The way White explained it, an 18-year financial plan he’s developing will include capital projects not covered in the 2018-19 budget. He suggested the board consider financial planning for them.

So when the board members took a straw poll, which was unanimous in favor, they opted for an increase that is half the maximum amount allowed under state regulation, stipulated the money must be placed in a capital improvement fund.

All while that vote five weeks ago left us celebrating the rare feat of a zero-increase balanced budget.

Suddenly like an echo. the rhetorical question returns: “How can you with certainty feel that this is best for the taxpayer?”

We don’t believe it is best for the taxpayer. The taxpayer — and the district — might benefit greatly from the healing effect of one normal, uneventful academic cycle — one which does not include a crisis or tax hike — no consolidation controversy, water well woes, transportation shenanigans or administrative departures/investigations. We might focus again on academics and not all the distractions.

Is one normal, uneventful school year for the Butler district too much to ask?

Will this school board be remembered for its fight to re-establish stability in the district and its finances? Or will it be just another of the endless line of boards that increased taxes to take money now that might be needed later?

When the board meets on Monday, members should adopt the 2018-19 budget as is without the 1.5 mill increase.