MAY 5, 2026 Bond Proposal
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
The Comstock Public Schools community will have the opportunity to vote on a bond proposal on the May 5, 2026, election ballot. This bond proposal is our next step in renovating learning environments and addressing aging buildings and sites. 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 total amount of bonds authorized by this proposal is more than $8,000,000 lower than what the District proposed in the November 4, 2025, bond proposal.
What are the revised focus areas of this bond proposal?
This proposal aims to reduce tax impact by focusing on our top priorities:
Safe and secure infrastructure:
- Installing and updating barricading and lockdown devices throughout the district
- Repairing and modernizing the roofs at Comstock Middle School and Compass High School
Clean and updated buildings:
- Completing HVAC improvements at Comstock High School and Compass High School
- Renovating interiors originally built in 1957 at Compass and in 1965 at Comstock High School
- Converting the back half of Compass to support early childhood programming
Why another bond proposal?
We ask the community to consider a bond proposal with revised priorities because our facility needs persist. In Michigan, a bond proposal is the most common financial mechanism available to school districts to fund capital improvements.
This 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).
What happens if voters do not approve this bond proposal in May 2026?
Without a voter-approved bond, we would only be able to make select, minor repairs to our buildings, and our ability to proactively address future facility needs would be hampered.
How is the tax impact of this proposal different from the November 2025 proposal?
After the community did not approve the November 2025 bond proposal, the District conducted a community-wide survey and spoke with community members. One of the key themes from this community feedback was that the expected ½-mil increase to the overall millage rate that was proposed felt challenging in the current economic environment.
We listened and eliminated projects from the proposal that our community supported the least (see next question). By listening to our community and reducing the scope of the proposed projects, the District has drafted a proposal that would have an expected zero-mill increase over the 2025 millage rate.
How was the scope of the projects adjusted from the November proposal to meet priority needs?
In our post-election survey, the District asked community members to help us prioritize which improvements were most pressing. We reduced the scope of projects by over $8 million, using this community feedback:
- Removed the Comstock Elementary classroom addition.
- Removed drainage improvements to the athletic fields.
- Removed improvements to the Comstock Early Learning Academy
- Prioritized safety & security and adjusted the project scope to include security classroom improvements throughout the district.
How do building renovations impact teaching and learning?
In recent years, as the District updated buildings to support academic programming, we’ve seen direct improvements in student academics and growth:
- Improved student outcomes—As demonstrated on the NWEA assessment, which measures academic growth, our Kindergarten through 8th graders at Comstock Elementary, Comstock Middle, and Comstock STEM Academy have exceeded national norms in both math and reading during 2023-24 and 2024-25.
- Graduation rates at both Comstock and Compass High Schools have increased.
- Renovated learning environments have provided staff and students with space, furniture, and technology that support modernized, collaborative learning
What is a bond proposal, and how can funds from a bond be spent?
A bond proposal is how a public school district asks its community to authorize borrowing money to pay for capital expenditures.
- Voter-approved bond funds can be spent on purposes generally described in the ballot, such as new construction, additions, remodeling, site improvements, athletic facilities, playgrounds, buses, furnishings, equipment, and other capital needs.
- Funds raised through the sale of bonds cannot be used on operational expenses such as employee salaries and benefits, school supplies, and textbooks.
- Bond funds must be kept separate from operating funds, and Michigan law requires an independent auditing firm to audit the expenditures.
Why a bond proposal now?
This proposal comes as an important next step in the development of school facilities for our students.
- Recent improvements: We have been able to make significant changes to our facilities in recent years, and we have seen exciting improvements across our district:
- Improved Student Outcomes
- Growth in Student Enrollment (enrollment is up four of the past five years!)
- New Comstock STEM Academy
- Renovated and Refreshed Learning Environments at Comstock Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
- Continued study of facilities’ needs: We continue to maintain and monitor our aging buildings to evaluate how they may best serve our community. The Facilities Review Committee, formed of 25 representative community members (see below), studied the District’s facilities with the support of the Board of Education during the 2024-25 school year and provided recommendations on how best to proceed.
- The 2025 Proposal: On November 4, 2025, our community considered a bond proposal based on the Facilities Review Committee’s recommendations. This proposal would have provided $31,800,000 at an expected 0.5-mill increase over the 2025 millage rate. Our community did not approve that proposal.
- Persistent needs: Despite the fact that the community did not approve the bond proposal, our facilities' needs persist, and our buildings continue to age. Relying on community feedback, we reduced the scope of the projects by $8,100,000 to focus on our top priorities at a zero-mill increase expected over the 2025 millage rate for the May 5, 2026, ballot.
What did the planning process and community engagement entail?
- We formed a Facilities Review Committee of 25 parents and community members, selected with input from school principals and personal outreach. Committee members visited five schools and the transportation office, and reviewed data, cost analyses, construction estimates, and polling results before presenting their recommendations to the school board.
- The group conducted monthly tours of every school building, starting with recently renovated facilities to show impact, and ending with the oldest to highlight remaining needs. Invitations to join were shared through district newsletters and open letters, adding new members throughout the process—including local facilities experts.
- We conducted a scientific survey with a third-party research firm to vet the committee’s priorities with the community. The results found that 64% favored a proposal that reflected the priorities and use of financial resources contained in our November 4, 2025, proposal.
- On November 4, 2025, we asked our community to consider a bond proposal based on the Facilities Review Committee’s recommendations. The proposal would have provided $31,800,000 at a 0.5-mill expected increase to the 2025 millage rate. Our community did not approve this proposal.
- As a result, we surveyed the community again, reconvened the FRC, and reduced the scope of the projects in the bond proposal based on community feedback. The new bond proposal addresses the most pressing facility issues and would require an expected zero mill increase from the 2025 rate.
Would money from the bond proposal be used to pay administrator or teacher salaries and benefits?
No. School districts are not allowed to use bond funds for operating expenses such as teacher, administrator, or employee salaries, routine maintenance, or other operating costs.
Michigan law requires that expenditure of bond proceeds be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator, or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.
How would I know the bond funds would be spent as required?
Bond revenue must be kept separate from operating funds, and the expenditures must be audited by an independent auditing firm. An audit would be completed at the end of each project to ensure compliance.
How would the bond proposal impact property taxes?
If approved by voters, the proposal expects a zero-mill increase over the 2025 current debt millage rate.
Our community provided valuable feedback after the November 2025 proposal was not approved: taxes felt too high for an expected 0.5-mill increase over the 2025 debt millage rate. Listening and adjusting, we reduced the scope of the projects in the current proposal by over $8 million to only our top-priority projects.
Is the bond millage rate estimated to be the same for the entire life of the bond proposal?
No. If approved, the overall debt millage is expected to be 5.50 mills and is estimated to remain at 5.50 mills through 2031. After 2031, the overall debt millage rate is estimated to decline due to bond repayment and projected taxable value growth, as illustrated in the chart below. If voters do not approve the May 2026 proposal, the overall debt millage rate is estimated to decline to 4.82 mills in 2026 and drop further thereafter.
When would the millage for this proposal first be levied?
On the July 1, 2026 property tax bill.
Is the school district going to issue $23,700,000 of bonds immediately?
No. The bonds are proposed to be issued in 3 series (2026, 2028, 2030). This allows for years of bond repayments to occur before a new bond issue is completed, and saves on interest costs because the district is only borrowing the money needed for immediate construction projects.
Why are the bond issues being completed in a series rather than in one bond issue?
The bond issues are being completed in a series to implement a long-term capital plan and to reduce total bond interest expense.
By issuing the bonds in series, the school district receives capital funding over time rather than immediately. This allows for the continual update and replacement of school district infrastructure. A multiple-year technology replacement program is also included in the plan.
If the school district sold the entire bond proposal immediately, it would incur interest expense on the full $23,700,000. By issuing the bonds in series over time, the school district lowers the annual bond repayment obligations. The bond issues are also expected to be completed every two years. This allows two years of repayment before a new bond issue is added.
How does the District’s millage rate compare to the millage rates of surrounding districts?
Of our comparable neighbors in Kalamazoo County, the District’s millage rate is the second lowest. If voters approve this bond proposal, this rate is projected to maintain a 5.50-mill debt levy with zero-mill increase over the 2025 debt millage rate.
What construction oversights would hold the district accountable?
If approved by voters, the district’s Architect/Engineer would design the proposed projects and prepare construction documents and specifications for those projects. Once designed, the district’s Construction Manager will assemble bid packages and publicly advertise to solicit competitive bids for all work. Competitive bidding is required by law, as outlined in the Revised School Code. This process ensures that the district selects the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. All qualified contractors will have an opportunity to attend a pre-bid meeting to obtain additional information and project clarification. All qualified contractors will have the opportunity to participate in the competitive bid process.
At what point would the State of Michigan, as well as the local fire and police departments, provide input into the bond projects?
Each project will be required to be submitted to both the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) and the Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) for both plan review and permitting. These agencies will review the projects to ensure they comply with applicable codes before any building permits are issued.  Building plans and specifications must be signed and sealed by a Licensed Architect/Professional Engineer before submission.
As of March 21, 2019, Michigan law requires school districts to consult on the plans for the construction or major renovation regarding school safety issues with the law enforcement agency that is the first responder for that school building. This consultation would happen after a bond proposal has been approved by voters, before construction documents are finalized, and before project commencement. 
How do I register to vote?
- Visit Michigan.gov/vote to register to vote online.
- The Secretary of State recommends that citizens register by mail by Monday, April 20, 2026, to participate in the May 6, 2026, election.
- Individuals may also register in person at their local clerk’s office through Election Day, May 6, 2026, with the required documentation. For assistance in obtaining the address of your local clerk, visit Michigan.gov/vote.
Are property owners in the school district eligible to vote if they do not reside in the school district?
Owners of property are only eligible to vote if they reside within the school district’s boundaries. To be eligible to register to vote, you must be:
- A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
- A United States citizen
- At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
- Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
If I rent a house or apartment, can I vote?
Yes, if you rent a house or apartment, you can still vote. You must be a registered voter in the city or township where you live and live within the school district’s boundaries.
How is an absentee voter ballot obtained?
Registered voters must complete and apply to receive their absentee voter ballot. To vote by mail, complete the application, sign it, and then return it to your local clerk. For assistance in obtaining the address of your local clerk, visit Michigan.gov/vote. When filling out the application, if you check the box to be added to the permanent absentee voter list, you will get an application mailed to you before every election.
If you registered to vote after absentee voter ballot applications were mailed, applications may be obtained online at Michigan.gov/vote. Absentee voter ballots are available as early as March 26, 2026, through election day, May 5, 2026.
What are the key dates leading up to the election on Tuesday, May 5, 2026?
- Registering to vote:
- The last day for voters to register by mail is April 20, 2026.
- Voters may register in person through May 5, 2026 (Election Day) with the required documentation
- Absentee Voting:
- Absentee voter ballots are available as early as March 26, 2026, until the election on May 5, 2026
- Contact your local clerk with questions
- Attend a public information community forum:
- March 16 at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at 6138 King Highway
- Live stream will be carried on our YouTube channel
Where and when will the vote occur?
- Tuesday, May 5, 2026, is election day, but absentee voting can occur leading up to that date.
- All registered voters may cast an absentee ballot by mail and sign up for the permanent mail ballot list.
- Voters may also cast a ballot at the polling location established by their city/township.
- Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
- If you have questions or do not know where you vote, please contact your city/township clerk’s office.
In the ballot language, it states that the estimated millage that will be levied in 2026 to pay the proposed bonds in the first year is 0.68 mills. What does this mean?
This means that the bond millage for this proposal, which is expected to be levied in the first year (2026) is 0.68 mills. (0.68 mills estimated for the the proposed bonds + 4.82 mills estimated for existing bonds = 6.00 total estimated 2026 millage rate).
Is there an estimated increase in the bond millage rate in this bond proposal?
No, the first-year bond millage rate is estimated to remain the same, as illustrated in the table below.
In the ballot language, it states that the maximum number of years any series of bonds may be outstanding, exclusive of refunding, is not more than 30 years. What does this mean?
The school district plans to issue the bonds in 3 separate series, in 2026, 2028, and 2030. Each bond series would have a length of 30 years or shorter.
In the ballot language, it states that the estimated simple average annual millage that will be required to retire each bond series is 1.12 mills annually. What does this mean?
This means that over the entire life of the bond proposal (3 bond series), the average annual bond millage rate necessary for the repayment of the bonds is estimated to be 1.12 mills.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact Dr. Jeff Thoenes, Superintendent, at [email protected] or (269) 250-8907 with additional questions about the bond proposal.