Multiple districts — Voters Tuesday approved a $38.1 million bond proposal to fund building improvements in Kelloggsville Public Schools, and three non-homestead operating millage renewals in Comstock Park, Kenowa Hills and Rockford.
The Kelloggsville community passed the bond proposal with a vote of 2,345 to 1,647, according to unofficial results from the Kent County Clerk’s Office. The district estimates the proposal will not increase property taxes as its 2018 bond expires in 2027.
A large portion of bond funds will go toward renovations at West Kelloggsville Elementary, the district’s oldest building. Projects will include adding a more secure entrance, relocating classrooms to the building’s west side, and updating the playground to improve traffic flow.
Central Kelloggsville Elementary will receive a parent pick-up and drop-off lane to improve traffic flow, an expanded playground and more green space.
The district’s tennis facility will be relocated to 52nd Street in front of the Administration Building, allowing for construction of a competition-level tennis complex.
The bond will also fund district-wide investments in furniture, technology and safety upgrades designed to improve classroom environments, instructional resources, security systems and technology infrastructure.
Voters also approved non-homestead operating millage renewal proposals in Comstock Park, Kenowa Hills and Rockford. The millages are taxes levied on businesses, rental properties, vacation homes and other non-primary residences to generate funding for local school districts as part of the state’s school funding formula. The millage rate can’t exceed 18 mills, but, because of the Headlee Amendment, it could dip below that amount if property values increase at a rate that outpaces inflation.
Comstock Park Public Schools
Requested: Four-year millage authorization to override the Headlee Amendment and restore funding of the state-authorized rate of 18 mills.
Voters said: YES, 3,877; No, 2,594
The renewal means Comstock Park will be able to levy the full 18 mills on businesses and non-residential properties for the next four years. The approval came with an additional three mills to offset the Headlee Amendment. The district will only levy the maximum of 18 mills per year.
“This overwhelming show of support is a testament to the strong partnership we share and your commitment to our schools,” said Superintendent David Washburn in a statement to the community. “By approving this proposal, you have demonstrated extraordinary trust and confidence in our district, ensuring that our students continue to receive the quality education, resources, and opportunities they deserve.”
The district estimates the renewal will generate approximately $50,000 in revenue in 2027, which will be used to support district operating expenses. The district’s 2026-2027 budget is about $30.8 million.
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
Requested: Ten-year millage authorization to override the Headlee Amendment and restore funding of the state-authorized rate of 18 mills.
Voters said: YES, 6,154; No, 5,561
The non-homestead operating millage will generate around $17 million annually and represent approximately 30% of Kenowa Hills’ day-to-day operating budget. The district will utilize the funding to provide programs, services, transportation, utilities and classroom resources for staff and students.
Superintendent Cherie Horner said she is excited about the results and the community’s support for academic programming and all the services that keep the district’s lights on and doors open.
“Because the community showed up, it helps our district focus on giving all students … the same, high-quality education experience and make Kenowa Hills a destination district for not only athletics and arts but academics as well,” she said.
She added, “Our first priority is that students and staff feel safe and that goes beyond safe and secure entrances. Our teachers need to feel safe to take risks and try things educationally. Now that can continue to happen in our classrooms and, hopefully, this continues to build trust and gets the community excited about Kenowa Hills.”
Unofficial election results for Kenowa Hills include three Ottawa County precincts.
Rockford Public Schools
Requested: A four-year renewal of the district’s non-homestead operating millage.
Voters said: YES, 14,760; No, 11,259
The win allows Rockford to continue levying up to 18 mills on businesses and non-principal residences from 2027 to 2030, ensuring full state funding. The proposal includes a 3-mill cushion for future Headlee rollbacks, but the district will not levy more than 18 mills annually.
“We’re very pleased that the voters in Rockford passed our non-homestead operating millage. It’s a key piece of school finance here in Michigan, and we’re pleased that they saw fit to pass the millage and continue to support the district,” said Superintendent Steve Matthews “It will allow us to continue to do all the good things that we’re trying to do for kids here in the district.”
Rockford’s current non-homestead millage expires in 2027. The new millage is expected to generate around $9.5 million annually, accounting for about 8% of the district’s overall budget. Funds are used for essential day-to-day operating costs, including staffing, programs, classroom supplies and more.
Riley Kelley and Alexis Stark contributed to this story.
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