Elkhorn, Nebraska, August 14, 2025
News Summary
The opening of Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools in Elkhorn has raised safety concerns among parents and community members. An investigation revealed these schools lack a certificate of occupancy, leading to fears regarding ongoing construction, unfinished facilities, and safety compliance issues. Despite claims of safety from the Elkhorn School District, inspections highlighted serious issues that remain unaddressed as students attend classes amidst construction chaos. Parents advocate for prompt action to ensure a safe environment for their children.
Elkhorn, Nebraska – The opening of Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools in Elkhorn has raised serious concerns regarding safety and compliance with city regulations. An investigation by the Omaha Building Department found that the schools are operating without a required certificate of occupancy, sparking fears among parents and community members.
While the Elkhorn School District maintains that both schools are safe for students and staff, the first day of school revealed an active construction site at Iron Bluff Elementary. Students encountered heavy machinery and unfinished sidewalks, leading to worries about potential hazards within the school environment. Parents reported observing significant construction activity, including welding, classrooms lacking electricity and air conditioning, and crews working throughout the buildings.
Inspection reports have highlighted multiple issues within the new schools, such as concerns regarding the fire prevention systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and storm shelter inspections. The lack of a compliance certificate has prompted Omaha Building Department officials to emphasize that the schools should not be open to students given the ongoing construction and safety concerns.
City officials have noted that while both schools are violating occupancy regulations, they are unable to impose penalties due to a municipal code exemption that applies to educational institutions. This leaves parents frustrated and concerned about their children’s safety. The Building Department has called for urgent action to rectify these violations, underscoring the potential risks faced by students in these unfinished facilities.
The Elkhorn Public Schools’ contractor, Prairie Construction, asserts that all essential safety inspections were completed prior to students being allowed in. However, ongoing construction has affected key areas within both schools, including music and art rooms, playgrounds, and kitchens. As a result, students at Iron Bluff will have their meals prepared at Elkhorn South High School and transported to Iron Bluff until the kitchen is operational.
Stone Pointe Elementary is also facing challenges, as its C-wing remains unfinished and will not be accessible to students until mid-September. Parents have expressed particular concern regarding construction debris, such as nails and screws, which could pose risks within the school environment. In addition, common area flooring in both schools is incomplete, and parking facilities are still undergoing construction, resulting in delays for student drop-off and pick-up.
As both schools continue to operate amid these challenges, parents and community members remain vigilant, advocating for the swift completion of construction and the assurance of a safe environment for their children.
FAQ
Are Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools currently open for students?
Yes, both schools are open for students, but they are currently operating without a certificate of occupancy due to ongoing construction and safety compliance issues.
What specific safety concerns have been raised by parents?
Parents have reported concerns over construction debris, unfinished facilities, and problems with fire prevention systems, plumbing, and heating in the schools.
How are meals being provided to Iron Bluff Elementary students during construction?
Meals for Iron Bluff students are being prepared at Elkhorn South High School and transported to Iron Bluff until the kitchen is fully operational.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Involved | Iron Bluff Elementary, Stone Pointe Elementary |
| Compliance Status | Without certificate of occupancy; violating city laws |
| Construction Status | Ongoing work impacting various facilities |
| Safety Issues | Concerns regarding fire safety, unfinished areas, debris risks |
| Meal Preparation | Meals transported from Elkhorn South High School |
| Completion Timeline | Stone Pointe C-wing inaccessible until mid-September |
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Additional Resources
- WOWT: City of Omaha Says Elkhorn Schools with Unfinished Construction Are Violating Law
- KETV: Elkhorn Elementary Schools Violating City Code, Officials Say
- 3 News Now: New Elkhorn Elementary School to Open with Construction Still Underway
- WOWT: Two Elkhorn Elementary Schools Holding Students Amid Unfinished Construction
- 3 News Now: Elkhorn Public Schools Give Update on Construction Projects Amid Delays
- Wikipedia: Construction
- Google Search: Elkhorn Schools Construction Issues
- Google Scholar: School Safety Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Google News: Elkhorn Schools News
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