10/29/2026
ALPINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIRE PROMPTS MEASURE K ON BALLOT - FROM AV PRESS RELEASE 10-29-2026 -
LITTLEROCK — In the wake of an electrical fire that closed a 104-year-old school for three months last year, the Keppel Union School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to place Measure K on the Nov. 3 ballot to address aging school facilities, improve safety, and modernize learning environments across the district.
The electrical fire at Alpine Elementary School last October highlighted the urgent need to address aging infrastructure. While all students were safely evacuated, the incident raised significant concerns about the condition of older school facilities and the potential risks to students and staff.
Following a comprehensive facilities assessment and review of the district’s infrastructure needs, the board of trustees took formal action to approve a resolution placing Measure K before voters. The resolution passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote, reflecting the board’s shared recognition of the need to address critical facility improvements throughout the district.
With state funding for school construction and modernization often requiring a local funding contribution, district officials identified a general obligation bond as a potential means of addressing these needs.
Measure K would authorize up to $27 million in bonds, with an estimated annual tax rate of $30 per $100,000 of assessed property value. For a property with an assessed value of $360,000, the estimated cost would be approximately $9 a month. The actual amount would depend on the property’s assessed value, which may be lower than its current market value.
Alpine Elementary School is 104 years old, according to Superintendent Priya Darbari, and had aging cloth-covered wiring. When rains came last winter, water seeped into a conduit box, causing an electrical short and fire. The repairs cost approximately $600,000. The incident demonstrated the vulnerability of aging infrastructure, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
While Alpine is the oldest school in the district, other facilities also require upgrades to address health and safety concerns.
Students and staff arriving at Pearblossom Elementary School encountered sewage odors multiple times last year due to problems with the school’s septic system. The school got a new septic tank over the summer.
“The leach lines were blocked, requiring repeated pump-outs,” Darbari said. “We experienced similar issues at two other schools. Maintaining safe and healthy learning environments for our students and staff continues to be one of our highest priorities.”
Students at Antelope Elementary School have had to be transported to other locations for school assemblies because their campus does not have a multipurpose room to accommodate schoolwide gatherings and activities.
The district’s Facilities Master Plan identified approximately $62.1 million in facility needs across its schools. These include improvements to aging electrical systems, roofing, heating and cooling systems, septic systems, campus security, classrooms, and student learning spaces.
Potential projects also include relocating Alpine Elementary School, constructing a cafeteria and multipurpose room at Antelope Elementary School, and developing a centralized Early Childhood Education Center to support preschool and transitional kindergarten programs.
Measure K includes accountability provisions requiring an independent citizens’ oversight committee, annual independent audits, and a separate account for bond proceeds. Funds may be used only for authorized school facility projects and cannot be used for teacher or administrator salaries or other operating expenses.
The district’s long-term facilities planning also recognizes the importance of creating modern learning environments that support academic excellence, hands-on learning, STEM education, and opportunities for students to explore future career pathways.
As the district continues implementing its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, facility improvements remain an important consideration in supporting student achievement and providing equitable educational opportunities across all five schools.
“Every student deserves to attend a school that is safe, well-maintained, and equipped to support learning,” Darbari said. “Our responsibility is to identify the needs of our facilities, plan responsibly, and ensure that our students and staff have environments where they can thrive.”
The board’s unanimous action reflects its recognition of the district’s documented facility needs and its decision to provide the community an opportunity to consider a local funding measure.
