Comstock Park voters will decide the composition of their entire school board this fall. All four seats on the Comstock Park Public School Board of Education are up for election on the November 3, 2026 general ballot, and exactly four candidates have filed their nominating petitions with the Kent County Clerk.

The filings closed on July 21, 2026, and the district has confirmed the four-person field. Because the number of candidates matches the number of open seats, the general election will determine every single seat on the board.

The Candidates

Kevin McLellan, currently serving as the board's Treasurer (term ending 2026), is running for re-election. McLellan and his wife Sharon have lived in Comstock Park for more than 36 years. He said he has been involved in the district through Band Boosters, Athletic Boosters, the Educational Foundation, and multiple years on the board itself. He also volunteers regularly at high school athletic events.

"Since our youngest graduated in 2001, I have spent time on the Educational Foundation and served on the School Board for several years," McLellan said. "I want to serve the school community and give back for what my children received."

Roman Rodriquez, the board's current Vice President (term ending 2026), is also running for re-election. Rodriquez owns Lakeshore Outdoor Living, a local business that donates to school programs. He said he has been involved with Comstock Park Public Schools for about 25 years.

"I have dedicated a lot of time and commitment to Comstock Park Public Schools over the last 25 years and feel that there is more to give," Rodriquez said.

Dave O'Brien is a first-time candidate. He graduated from Comstock Park High School in 1995 and is a Grand Valley State University graduate with a business administration degree and a minor in psychology. His wife Liz and their three children, all students in the district, live in Comstock Park.

"Comstock Park has always been home," O'Brien said. "That's what draws me to the school board. Comstock Park has given my family so much, and I am looking forward to serving the community I love."

Chad Shelner is the district's fourth candidate. Shelner and his wife Amanda both graduated from Comstock Park, and their four children are in grades 10, 8, 5, and 4 in the district. Shelner works as a nurse practitioner in hospice and palliative care and has coached youth sports in the district for more than ten years. He most recently finished a term as president of Northwestern Little League.

"I am very excited for the potential opportunity to serve on the Comstock Park School Board," Shelner said. "I am thankful for the previous school board members, administrators, and teachers that helped shape our great Comstock Park experience, and I hope that I can do the same for the next generations."

What the Seats Mean

The four seats carry four-year terms that will begin January 1, 2027, and expire December 31, 2030.

With half the current board up for replacement and an equal number of candidates, the outcome of the November 3 vote will set the balance of the board for the next four years.

The district serves approximately 1,776 students across five schools, including Comstock Park High School, Mill Creek Middle School, Pine Island Elementary School, Stoney Creek Elementary School, and Greenridge Elementary School.

Voters can obtain sample ballots and voter registration information from the Kent County Clerk's office. Election questions specific to the school race can be directed to Alicia Keur, the district's Executive Assistant, at 254-5003.