Omaha, August 14, 2025
News Summary
The Elkhorn School District has opened Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools, but parents and officials are alarmed by ongoing construction and safety compliance issues. Investigations show both schools lack a certificate of occupancy and have various safety defects. Parents worry about construction debris and unfinished facilities, prompting the district to manage meal logistics from nearby high schools. Despite claims of safety, significant concerns persist regarding the welfare of students in these potentially hazardous environments.
Omaha – The Elkhorn School District has opened its new Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools, but ongoing construction and safety compliance concerns have raised alarm among parents and city officials. An investigation has revealed that both schools do not currently adhere to Omaha city laws regarding occupancy.
The Elkhorn School District maintains that both schools are safe for students and staff, despite concerns about active construction zones at both locations. On the first day of school, students at Iron Bluff Elementary encountered heavy machinery and unfinished sidewalks within the vicinity of the bustling construction site. Similarly, Stone Pointe Elementary’s ongoing construction prompted many parents to express their worries about potential safety hazards for their children.
Concerns from parents were amplified by reports from parent Stacy Morris, who observed men welding inside school buildings, rooms lacking electricity or air conditioning, and multiple construction crews present throughout the facilities. Additionally, inspection reports revealed problems with the schools’ fire prevention systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, as well as uninspected storm shelters.
According to Anna Bespoyasny of the Omaha Building Department, the Elkhorn Public Schools lack a certificate of occupancy, indicating that they should not be operational for students under current conditions. The Elkhorn School District argued that the issuance of an occupancy certificate necessitates the full completion of the project, including landscaping and other final touches, which are still in progress.
City officials acknowledged the violations of municipal codes but noted they cannot impose penalties due to an exemption for schools in the existing laws. Bespoyasny emphasized the urgency of addressing these regulatory violations on both city and state levels, highlighting the risks involved in putting children in potentially unsafe environments.
The contractor responsible for the Elkhorn Public Schools’ construction, Prairie Construction, stated that all essential safety inspections were completed before students were allowed on the premises. However, ongoing construction continues to affect critical areas such as music, art rooms, playgrounds, and kitchens.
In terms of logistics, meals for students at Iron Bluff will initially be prepared at nearby Elkhorn South High School and then transported to Iron Bluff, a solution indicative of the challenges posed by incomplete facilities. Additionally, the C-wing of Stone Pointe remains unfinished and will remain blocked off until mid-September.
Parents have raised significant concerns about construction debris, including nails and screws that could pose health and safety risks to students in the school environment. The common area flooring at both schools is still incomplete, and parking lots are under construction, prompting school officials to advise parents to allow extra time for drop-off and pick-up during this transitional period.
In summary, while the Elkhorn School District has commenced the school year, there are significant compliance and safety concerns that remain unresolved amid ongoing construction at Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools.
FAQs
Are Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools currently safe for students?
While the Elkhorn School District claims both schools are safe, ongoing construction and lack of compliance with city occupancy laws have raised safety concerns among parents and city officials.
Why do the schools not have a certificate of occupancy?
An occupancy certificate requires that the construction project is fully completed, including landscaping and final inspections, which are still ongoing at both schools.
What safety issues have been reported?
Reports indicate concerns about fire prevention systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, as well as construction debris posing risks to students.
How are meals being managed at Iron Bluff?
Currently, meals for Iron Bluff students are being prepared at Elkhorn South High School and then transported to Iron Bluff due to the unfinished kitchen facilities.
What should parents be aware of during school drop-off and pick-up?
Parents are advised to allow extra time for drop-off and pick-up as parking lots and common areas are still under construction, which may affect traffic flow.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Iron Bluff Elementary | Stone Pointe Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Status | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| Safety Compliance | Not compliant | Not compliant |
| Occupancy Certificate | Not issued | Not issued |
| Meal Preparation | At Elkhorn South High School | N/A |
| Construction Hazards | Heavy machinery, debris | Debris, unfinished areas |
| Completion Timeline | Still ongoing | C-wing blocked 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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