Butler School Board directors are drafting financial guidelines in hopes that their predecessors won't wipe out money reserves.

For the last few meetings, board members discussed how best to encourage or require a buffer in their budgeting. They want to set a minimum account balance — a minimum percentage of cash left over after expenditures — but administrators warn to tread carefully in how such a requirement is established.

In future bond ratings, the district would be held accountable for whatever standards it sets for itself.

Superintendent Brian White said Monday that such a move would still serve a purpose, though.

“It conveys to everyone future-wise that you don't want this to be zero,” White said. “There was a conscious effort to spend down the fund balance, which is part of why we are where we are.”

The district has a recent history of poor general fund reserves. According to the district's last five annual financial audits, only the fiscal year ending in June 2018 did not bring a general fund deficit.

Jennifer Cummings, the board's vice president, worried that future board members may flounder as they take the reins.

“It has taken me four years to be able to have a conversation about this,” Cummings said. “If we have policies about this, as board members change you can revisit this.”

White had a draft “financial philosophy” document for the board, which after Monday's discussion is going to include some range between a 6 percent and 8 percent reserve requirement.

There's more in the plan: Board members are talking about establishing a capital projects fund, and maintaining dedicated funds to handle health care and retirement costs.

“We have to prioritize,” White warned. “We can't be foolish enough to think we're ready to start a trust (fund) when we have a leaky roof on a third of our schools.”

Snow days

The district has not heard from state officials whether closures due to weather in November will be waived. White said Monday that he doesn't believe the district will get the waiver.

The board approved a revised school calendar for this school year pushing the last day of classes back a day to June 6.