Comstock Public Schools Bond Proposal Fails in May 5 Special Election

Bond Fails for Comstock Public Schools

Comstock voters rejected a $23.7 million bond proposal for school improvements on May 5. The measure would have funded security upgrades, roof repairs, HVAC systems, and technology improvements across the district.

A Scaled-Down Request

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Thoenes presented a reduced proposal after last November's rejection of a $31.8 million bond. The district had lost by a narrow margin of slightly more than 100 votes, mainly due to concerns over an expected 0.5-mill tax increase.

This year's proposal eliminated the tax increase and focused only on top priorities. The bond centered around three themes: Safe, Modern, and Dry. Funding would go toward intercom system updates, addressing lead and asbestos concerns, implementing new lighting, technology, and HVAC systems, and roofing repairs at Comstock Middle School and Compass High School.

The Vote

The proposal failed with 1,159 votes in favor and 1,291 against. Without approval, the overall debt millage rate is estimated to decline to 4.82 mills in 2026, continuing to drop further after. The current 5.50 millage rate would have remained unchanged through 2031 under the approved measure.

A History of Rejected Bonds

Last year, voters rejected a $38.1 million bond that included a tax increase. The district said it pared down its list of projects for this year's bond, which it said would not increase the current tax rate.

Other Districts Succeed

While Comstock voters said no, other school districts across West Michigan approved their bond measures. Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools passed an $11.24 million proposal, Kentwood Public Schools approved a $125 million bond, and Vicksburg Community Schools passed a $65 million proposal.