Omaha, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Omaha Mayor John Ewing reassured parents about safety at the new Elkhorn elementary schools, currently under construction. Despite concerns raised about compliance and ongoing work, Ewing stated that the schools will open on time. He highlighted the cessation of heavy equipment use and ongoing safety inspections, along with a commitment from the construction company to provide a completion timeline. Parents have expressed worries about communication and safety protocols as school opening approaches.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing addressed public safety concerns regarding the new Elkhorn elementary schools, Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe, which are currently under construction. Despite ongoing work at the sites, Mayor Ewing expressed confidence that the schools are safe for students and staff, emphasizing that their opening was coordinated with city building and inspection officials. This reassurance aimed to quell rising anxieties among parents and residents about safety conditions at the construction sites.
The concerns came to light after Mayor Ewing received a voicemail about safety issues late Wednesday evening. Following this, he held a meeting with Elkhorn Superintendent Bary Habrock and representatives from the construction company, Prairie Construction, to discuss the current status of work and address these safety issues. The mayor stated that the meeting provided him with insight into the completion of outstanding items and the projected timelines for the construction process.
As of now, heavy equipment usage at the Elkhorn school sites has reportedly ceased, which was a major point of concern for parents worried about student safety amidst ongoing construction. The construction company has pledged to provide a comprehensive schedule for the remaining work by the end of the upcoming Monday. Mayor Ewing highlighted that a different project nearby, managed by another developer, would not interfere with the school openings as long as satisfactory progress on the schools continues.
Elkhorn Public Schools has consistently maintained that both schools remain secure for students and staff, even amidst worries expressed by some parents regarding unfinished construction areas and critical utilities like electricity and air conditioning being absent in certain classrooms. A recent investigation indicated that the new schools had not completed all final inspections as required by local city law. Currently, Elkhorn Public Schools lacks a certificate of occupancy, posing legal and compliance questions regarding safety.
Mayor Ewing confirmed that the city’s fire division had inspected both school sites and had identified several compliance issues that need to be addressed before full occupancy approval can be granted. Importantly, he clarified that while the inspections may reveal safety concerns, the decision to open schools lies primarily with the school district and city inspectors rather than the inspection results alone.
Concerns over transparency and communication from school administration have continued to resonate with parents. Although the Nebraska Department of Education noted that no official complaints have been filed regarding the schools, parents remain apprehensive about the level of communication they have received regarding construction-related issues. In response to these ongoing concerns, a joint statement was issued by Elkhorn Public Schools and Prairie Construction, affirming that necessary safety features and inspections had been completed before the students’ occupancy, even though some projects await finalization.
To keep families informed, Mayor Ewing announced a follow-up communication would be sent out on Friday, August 15, providing updates on the overall safety protocols and timeline for project completion. However, discontent over communication from the school district seems to persist among parents, indicating a need for improved engagement moving forward.
FAQ
1. Are the new Elkhorn schools safe for students?
Yes, Mayor John Ewing has confirmed that the schools are safe for students despite ongoing construction, based on current assessments and safety inspections.
2. Have the Elkhorn schools passed all required inspections?
As of now, the two schools have not passed all final inspections as mandated by Omaha city law, which has raised concerns about compliance.
3. Will the schools open on time?
Yes, the Elkhorn school district has made the decision to open both schools in coordination with city officials, based on ongoing assessments.
4. What is the timeline for construction completion?
The construction company has committed to providing a comprehensive schedule for the completion of ongoing work by Monday.
5. What steps are being taken to improve communication with parents?
Mayor Ewing announced that additional communication will be sent to families on August 15 that pertains to safety protocols and project timelines to enhance transparency.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mayor’s Assurance | Schools are deemed safe amid construction |
| Construction Status | Heavy equipment use has ceased |
| Inspection Status | Pending final inspections; no certificate of occupancy |
| Communication | Follow-up updates scheduled for August 15 |
| Safety Features | Completed prior to student occupancy |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Evanston District 65 Considers Potential School Closures
Safety Concerns Arise as Elkhorn District Opens New Schools
Additional Resources
- WOWT: City of Omaha says Elkhorn schools with unfinished construction are violating law
- Wikipedia: School safety
- KETV: Elkhorn elementary schools violating city code, officials say
- Google Search: Elkhorn Schools construction issues
- Omaha World-Herald: Elkhorn schools safety concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- WOWT: Omaha Mayor no plans to shut down 2 Elkhorn schools
- Google Scholar: School construction safety
- WOWT: City says Elkhorn schools are violating law
- Google News: Elkhorn Schools city code
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