Comstock Schools Asking Voters to Approve $23.7M Bond After Rejection in November

Comstock Public Schools is returning to the ballot with a revised $23.7 million bond proposal after voters rejected a larger $31.8 million request in November 2025. The district says the funds are essential for critical infrastructure repairs that pose immediate threats to student learning conditions.

The Bond Request

Comstock Middle School and Compass High School require roof repairs at both buildings. Comstock High School and Compass High School also need new HVAC systems including air conditioning installation. The district conducted thermal imaging analysis to document the roof damage on both academic buildings.

District Superintendent Jeff Thoenes said the roof conditions are deteriorating without intervention. The longer the district goes without bond funding the worse the roof conditions become. Thoenes stated that not having air conditioned buildings is primarily a concern in August, September, April, May and June.

In those months the temperatures make conditions in the school not prime for learning, Thoenes said. There would be no business along Gull Road that would open now without air conditioning.

Tax Impact

If voters pass the bond the district would not raise the current 5.5 mill tax rate. The bond would add 0.68 mills in 2026, replacing mills that expire in coming years. The millage rate would remain at 5.5 mills through 2031 if the bond passes.

Without bond approval the millage rate would fall to 4.82 mills in 2026. The bond would average 1.12 mills over 30 years. That equates to about $112 per year for a home worth $200,000 with a taxable value of $100,000.

History of Failed Bond

The May 2026 bond request is $8.1 million less than the November 2025 proposal. The previous request would have increased the millage rate by 0.5 mills instead of 0.68 mills.

Thoenes said voters were concerned about the tax increase and some of the projects included in the November 2025 bond request. The district limited this proposal to real nuts and bolts infrastructure type projects.