Elkhorn, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Omaha Mayor John Ewing has addressed public concerns regarding the safety of the newly constructed Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe elementary schools in Elkhorn. Despite ongoing construction, officials assert that the schools will be safe for students upon opening. Parents have raised worries about unfinished areas and operational utilities, but city inspections have indicated that necessary safety measures are in place. A follow-up communication regarding safety updates is set for August 15, while the construction company has paused heavy machinery use during this period.
Omaha – Omaha Mayor John Ewing reassured the public on Thursday about the safety of two new elementary schools in Elkhorn, Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe, which are still under construction. This statement comes amid concerns raised by parents regarding safety issues including unfinished areas, the presence of heavy machinery, and the lack of basic utilities in some classrooms.
During a news conference, Mayor Ewing expressed confidence that the schools are safe to open for students despite ongoing construction activities. The decision to proceed with the opening was made jointly by the Elkhorn school district and the city’s building and inspections officials.
The issue came to the forefront after Ewing received a voicemail outlining safety concerns on Wednesday evening. In response, he met with key district and construction officials on Thursday morning. These discussions yielded reassurances from the Elkhorn Superintendent and the construction company regarding remaining project timelines and unfinished items.
As part of the efforts to maintain safety, the construction company has ceased the use of heavy equipment around the school sites, and they committed to providing an updated project schedule by Monday. Mayor Ewing also clarified that while there is a neighboring development project, the city has no plans to close the schools as long as satisfactory progress continues.
Parents have expressed worries about the transparency of communication from the school administration. Reports indicated that Elkhorn Public Schools have not yet obtained a certificate of occupancy, signaling potential legal and safety compliance issues. A recent investigation revealed that the schools had not passed all final inspections mandated by Omaha city law, with several compliance items needing attention before full occupancy can be approved.
Despite these concerns, the Elkhorn Public Schools maintain that both schools are secure for students and staff. A joint statement issued by the school district and Prairie Construction mentioned that safety measures and inspections had been completed prior to student occupancy, even though some construction work remains unfinished.
Mayor Ewing emphasized that inspections by the city’s fire division did identify some issues but clarified that it is up to the school district and city inspectors to make the final decision about school openings. He noted that there had been more effective communication in similar situations in the past and pledged to send a follow-up communication to families on August 15, containing updates on safety protocols and project timelines.
In conclusion, while many concerns about the new Elkhorn schools persist, local officials maintain that safety is a priority and that the schools will be safe for students upon opening. Communication continues to be an area of concern for parents, who are seeking more transparency from the school administration regarding ongoing construction issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe schools in Elkhorn?
The schools are currently under construction but are set to open. Local officials have assured the public that the facilities will be safe for students.
What were the safety concerns raised about the new schools?
Concerns included unfinished construction areas, the presence of heavy equipment, and classrooms lacking essential utilities like electricity and air conditioning.
Has the construction passed all required inspections?
No, both schools have not completed all final inspections as per Omaha city law, raising compliance issues.
What is the next step for parents regarding updates on the schools?
Mayor Ewing has committed to sending a follow-up communication to families with updates on safety protocols and project timelines on August 15.
Key Features of the Elkhorn Schools Situation
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Schools | Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe |
| Construction Status | Ongoing, but set to open |
| Safety Concerns | Unfinished areas, heavy machinery, utility issues |
| Final Inspections | Not yet passed |
| Communication Update | Follow-up communication planned for August 15 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
District 65 Weighs School Closures Due to Financial Strain
Concerns Rise Over Safety at Elkhorn Elementary 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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