Omaha Mayor Confirms Safety of New Elkhorn Schools Amid Construction Concerns

Omaha Mayor John Ewing held a news conference affirming the safety of the new Elkhorn elementary schools, Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe, which are currently under construction. Mayor Ewing expressed his confidence that these schools are safe for students as the Elkhorn school district, in coordination with the city’s building and inspections officials, decided to open them despite ongoing construction.

The discussion about safety arose when Mayor Ewing received a voicemail on Wednesday evening, leading him to meet on Thursday with school district officials including Elkhorn Superintendent Bary Habrock and representatives from the construction company, Prairie Construction. Following this meeting, Ewing stated that he felt reassured about the completion of outstanding tasks and the project timelines.

To address the safety and construction concerns, the construction company has pledged to provide an updated project schedule by Monday. The mayor confirmed that the use of heavy equipment at the school construction sites has been paused as the situation is assessed. While there is a separate project by another developer nearby, Ewing emphasized that there are no intentions to close the school as long as satisfactory progress continues on site.

Elkhorn Public Schools has maintained that both Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe are secure for students and staff, despite some parents expressing worries regarding unfinished construction areas, heavy machinery around children, and classrooms lacking necessary utilities like electricity and air conditioning. A recent investigation discovered that the schools have not yet passed all final inspections mandated by Omaha city law, raising legal and safety compliance questions. Notably, Elkhorn Public Schools does not hold a certificate of occupancy, which has raised alarms among parents.

While inspections by the city’s fire division have revealed issues necessary for compliance, Mayor Ewing clarified that inspectors do not possess the authority to block school openings; instead, that decision falls to the school district and city inspectors. Many parents have voiced dissatisfaction regarding transparency and communication with the school administration.

The Nebraska Department of Education has not received any formal complaints concerning the new schools. In a bid to enhance communication, Elkhorn Public Schools, alongside Prairie Construction, issued a joint statement indicating that safety features and inspections were completed before student occupancy, albeit with some ongoing work still necessary.

Looking forward, Mayor Ewing announced that a follow-up communication will be dispatched to families on Friday, August 15, outlining safety protocols and providing updates on project timelines. Despite ongoing concerns, the mayor’s assurance about the schools’ safety is aimed at addressing parent anxiety regarding the construction and opening of Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe.

FAQ

What are the names of the new Elkhorn elementary schools?

The new schools are named Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe.

What were the main concerns raised by parents?

Parents expressed concerns over unfinished construction areas, heavy equipment around students, and classrooms lacking essential utilities like electricity and air conditioning.

Have the new schools passed all inspections?

No, the schools have not yet passed all final inspections required by Omaha city law.

Does Elkhorn Public Schools have a certificate of occupancy for the new buildings?

No, Elkhorn Public Schools does not currently have a certificate of occupancy for the new schools.

When will families receive updates about safety protocols and project timelines?

A follow-up communication will be sent to families on Friday, August 15.

Key Features of New Elkhorn Schools