Comstock Public Schools Bond Proposal
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this millage increase my taxes?
No. This proposal replaces two existing bond issues approved by voters in 1991 for a total of 5 mills which are expiring in 2017.
Is this a new millage?
Technically speaking, yes. But your taxes will not increase because it replaces the 5 mill tax currently levied that provided for extensive school improvements in the 1990s.
Why does the school board think this is necessary?
School facilities and the technology used by students need updating. Surrounding school systems have made similar improvements, and given today's competitive environment, inferior facilities and equipment could lead to falling enrollments which will lead to more difficulty in offering a high quality education for our students.
How will the funds be spent?
After much study, the school board established the following priorities:
- Constructing additions to and remodeling school district buildings, including classrooms, boilers, climate controls, roofing replacements, lighting improvement, and the enhancement of security systems at building entrances and for classrooms;
- There will be plumbing, mechanical and electrical upgrades, replacement of heating and cooling systems, and updated flooring and ceiling tiles;
- Buildings will be reequipped and refurnished;
- Improving and developing sites, including sidewalks, parking areas, playgrounds and outdoor athletic facilities; and
- Acquiring and installing instructional technology, technology infrastructure and equipment to connect our schools.
Will the funds be used to pay salaries or other expenses?
No. Under state law, bond proceeds may not be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries, routine maintenance costs, or other school district operating expenses.
What will the ballot look like?
Here is what you will see on the ballot:
Shall the Comstock Public Schools, County of Kalamazoo, Michigan, borrow the principal sum of not to exceed Forty Million One Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($40,130,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds for the purpose of defraying the cost of making the following improvements:
- constructing additions to and remodeling school district buildings including classrooms, boilers and climate controls, roofing replacements and secure school entrances;
- equipping, furnishing, reequipping and refurnishing school district buildings;
- improving and developing sites, including sidewalks and parking areas, playgrounds and outdoor athletic facilities in the school district; and
- acquiring and installing instructional technology, technology infrastructure and equipment in and connecting school district buildings?
The debt millage levy required to retire all bonds of the School District currently outstanding and proposed by this ballot proposal is estimated to remain at or below the current 5.00 mill levy. The estimated millage to be levied in 2016 to service this issue of bonds is 1.21 mills ($1.21 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds of this issue is 3.77 mills ($3.77 per $1,000 of taxable value). The bonds may be issued in multiple series, payable in the case of each series in not to exceed twenty-nine (29) years from the date of issue of such series.
(Under state law, bond proceeds may not be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries, routine maintenance costs or other School District operating expenses.)
When is the last day to register to vote for this election?
April 4, 2016. You can get a voter registration application from the county clerk, township clerk, at the Secretary of State Office and at www.michigan.gov/sos. The form should be submitted to your township clerk.
Can I vote by absentee ballot?
Check with your township clerk or the Michigan Secretary of State office to see if you are eligible and to find out how to get an absentee ballot. They will be available starting March 19.
When and where can I vote on this issue?
The election is Tuesday, May 3 from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Vote at your regular poling place — you can find it by contacting your township clerk, the Secretary of State Office, and at the online Michigan Voter Information Center: vote.michigan.gov/mvic.
How can I get more information on this bond proposal?
Information is available by calling Comstock Public Schools at 269-250-8900, and at this website: www.comstockPS.org/Vote2016.
Information forums have been set for Wednesday, March 30, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m. at the CESC Board Room, and another on Wednesday, April 13 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Comstock Community Auditorium.