School bond proposal fails at the polls

Comstock Public Schools voters rejected a $23.7 million bond proposal on May 5 that aimed to upgrade school safety, security and infrastructure.

The proposal failed by a margin of 132 votes. Voters approved 1,159 bonds while 1,291 opposed the measure.

District scales back previous request

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Thoenes said the district returned to the drawing board after voters rejected a $31.8 million bond last November.

The previous proposal lost by slightly more than 100 votes due to concerns over an expected 0.5 mill increase.

This year's proposal centered on three priorities. Thoenes described the bond as Safe, Modern, and Dry.

Funding would have gone toward intercom system updates. The district also planned to address lead and asbestos concerns.

New lighting and technology installations were included in the plan. HVAC systems and roofing repairs at Comstock Middle School and Compass High School were also on the list.

No millage increase under plan

The proposal would not have increased the district's current 5.50 millage rate. The millage was estimated to remain the same through 2031 before declining.

Since voters rejected the May proposal, the overall debt millage rate is estimated to decline to 4.82 mills in 2026. The millage will continue to drop further in subsequent years.

District faces ongoing funding challenges

The Comstock Public School bond failure adds to the district's funding challenges. The district must now find alternative ways to address aging infrastructure.

School buildings across the district are reaching the end of their lifespan. The district previously proposed a $31.8 million bond that also failed in November.

Superintendent Thoenes said the district will continue to work with the community to address school needs. The district must find ways to improve safety and security without increasing taxes.