Comstock Public Schools is asking voters for less money this May than they asked last November.
The district wants $23.7 million on the May 5, 2026 ballot, compared to the $31.8 million that failed last November. That's nearly $8 million less.
The new proposal would zero out any millage increase over the current rate, while the 2025 proposal would have raised taxes by 0.5 mills.
"This bond proposal is our next step in renovating learning environments and addressing aging buildings and sites," said Comstock Superintendent Jeff Thoenes. "If approved by voters, this bond proposal would provide $23,700,000 for district-wide improvements with an expected zero-mill increase over the 2025 millage rate."
The money would go to repairs at two specific schools: Comstock Middle School and Compass High School. The proposal targets roof repairs and air conditioning upgrades.
"This bond proposal would provide more than $23 million for district-wide improvements, including remodeling school buildings and facilities, improving safety, refurnishing classrooms, and purchasing new school buses – if passed," the ballot language reads.
Voters rejected the November 2025 proposal. The superintendent called the results a disappointment.
"Several bond measures failed in Kalamazoo County Tuesday night, including one for Comstock Public Schools," WOOD News 8 reported. "The Comstock Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Thoenes told News 8 the results from last night's election were a disappointment."
The district is trying again with a lower ask. The 2025 proposal proposed an expected 0.5-mill increase over the 2025 levy. The 2026 proposal would raise $23.7 million with an expected zero-mill increase.
"In November 2025, voters rejected a .5 mill bond proposal for Comstock Public Schools. The May 2026 proposal is lower than the previous proposed bonds by $8 million," NowKalamazoo reported.
The bond is part of seven proposals Kalamazoo County voters will decide on May 5, 2026. The special election includes three millage renewals, three bond proposals, and one ordinance amendment.
"A special election on May 5, 2026 calls for Kalamazoo County voters to make decisions concerning local schools, a garbage system, and ultimately all residents," NowKalamazoo reported.
Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last day to register to vote is Monday, April 20, 2026. All eligible Michigan voters can vote by absentee ballot.
The school district's bond FAQ states the proposal is their next step in renovating learning environments and addressing aging buildings.
"This bond proposal, however, would provide funding for the revised priority improvements with a zero-mill increase expected over the 2025 rate (vs. the November 2025 proposal, which proposed an expected 0.5-mill increase over the 2025 levy)," the Comstock Public Schools website states.