Election Day Looms as Residents Decide Fate of Special Education Funding, School Bonds, and Portage Trash Contract

*KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo County residents will head to the polls on May 5, 2026* to decide seven critical ballot proposals that will impact local schools, special education funding, and the Portage public trash system. The off-cycle special election, scheduled for just under two weeks from now, represents one of the most significant voting opportunities of the year for Southwest Michigan residents.

With polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, county voters will be asked to make decisions on three millage renewals, three bond proposals, and one ordinance amendment — all of which require active voter participation to pass.

"Off-cycle elections notoriously experience low turnout," said election officials, noting that the May 2025 special election received ballots from only 20% of Kalamazoo County's registered voters. Despite this, the proposals on the May 5 ballot still require voters to actively participate in order for decisions to be made.

Three Millages Up for Renewal

KRESA Special Education Millage Renewal and Restoration

One of the most widespread proposals on the ballot is the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) Special Education Millage Renewal and Restoration. This intermediate school district serves nine local school districts across the Kalamazoo region, providing early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator support services.

The proposal would allow KRESA to renew and restore special education millage that expires with the 2026 tax levy and was reduced by the Michigan Constitution of 1963. If approved, the millage rate would be renewed at 1.5 mills ($1.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) and increased by an additional .0138 mill for a total rate of 1.50 mills.

"These funds are distributed to all nine school districts KRESA works with for special education," said Dedrick Martin, superintendent of KRESA. "School districts are mandated to have special education programs. Without these funds, they'd take money from other areas such as athletics and general education."

The nine school districts served by KRESA include:

  • Climax-Scotts Community Schools
  • Comstock Public Schools
  • Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
  • Gull Lake Community Schools
  • Kalamazoo Public Schools
  • Parchment School District
  • Portage Public Schools
  • Schoolcraft Community Schools
  • Vicksburg Community Schools

If the millage is approved and levied in 2027, KRESA would collect approximately $16,815,446 from local property taxes, creating an annual allocation of $16.8 million for special education purposes.

Martin warned of the consequences if the millage fails:

"If this millage is not passed, there'd be a loss of just under $500 per student."

Colon Community Schools Sinking Fund Millage Renewal

The Colon Community Schools Sinking Fund Millage Renewal would allow the school district to continue levying the building and site sinking fund millage that expires with the 2026 tax levy. The currently authorized millage rate is 1.2906 mills ($1.2906 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) and would be renewed at the same rate until 2034.

Originally approved by voters in 2018, this millage is utilized as a savings account intended for long-term building repairs, renovations, and safety improvements. The school district would collect an estimated $328,989 if the millage is approved and levied in 2027.

Mattawan Consolidated Schools Operating Millage Renewal

Also up for renewal is the Mattawan Consolidated Schools Operating Millage, which would allow the school district to continue levying up to 18 mills on secondary residences and industrial properties. This millage is required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance from the state.

The proposal would renew the millage rate limitation of 19.4227 mills ($19.4227 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 4 years, 2027 to 2030, to provide funds for operating purposes. If approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027, the estimate of revenue the school district will collect is approximately $4,075,264.

Three Bond Proposals

In addition to the millage renewals, voters will also decide on three bond proposals that will require active approval from the electorate. These bond measures typically involve significant upfront costs but are designed to fund long-term infrastructure improvements and services.

The specific bond proposals include measures related to school infrastructure, fire protection, and the Portage public trash system. Bond proposals are critical because they often represent multi-million dollar investments that will serve communities for decades.

Portage Trash System Ordinance Amendment

The final proposal on the ballot is an ordinance amendment related to the Portage Public Trash System (TPS). This ordinance amendment will affect how the trash system operates and could have implications for contract negotiations and service delivery.

Given the importance of waste management services to Portage residents and businesses, this proposal is expected to draw significant attention from local stakeholders.

Voting Information for May 5, 2026

Registration and Voting Options

All eligible voters in Michigan can vote by absentee ballot. Key deadlines and dates include:

  • Last day to register to vote in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk: Monday, April 20, 2026
  • Request absentee ballot by 5 p.m.: April 30, 2026, if requesting by mail
  • Early voting in person (early voting at clerk's office): Until 4 p.m. on May 4, 2026
  • Election Day: Saturday, May 5, 2026
  • Absentee ballots must be returned: By 8 p.m. on May 5, 2026

Where to Vote

All eligible voters can find their local clerk's office by visiting the official voter information resources. County clerks across Kalamazoo County will be processing ballots and preparing for a busy election day.

Why This Election Matters

The May 5 election represents more than just another voting opportunity — it's a critical decision point for Kalamazoo County residents who will determine the funding levels for special education services, school infrastructure, and essential public services like waste management.

"These decisions will impact families, students, and communities across the county for years to come," election officials emphasized. "Voter turnout and participation in this special election will directly determine which of these proposals move forward."

With special education funding at stake, school bonds on the ballot, and the Portage trash system up for a vote, residents across Kalamazoo County, Portage, Comstock, Galesburg, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Mattawan, and other communities in the region will need to make informed decisions on May 5.

What Happens Next

If voters approve the proposals, the approved measures would take effect with the 2027 tax levy. If any proposals are rejected, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners will need to determine next steps, which could include re-submitting proposals to voters or finding alternative funding solutions.

For KRESA Superintendent Dedrick Martin, the stakes couldn't be higher:

"The special education millage has been approved by voters in the past, but we're at a critical juncture now. We need to ensure that students with disabilities continue to receive the mandated services they're entitled to under state and federal law."

Residents are encouraged to review the ballot language for each proposal, contact their local school board representatives, and participate actively in this important election.

Sources

  • Voters to decide on taxes for schools and Portage's trash system — https://nowkalamazoo.org/2026/04/voters-to-decide-on-taxes-for-schools-and-portages-trash-system