Omaha, Nebraska, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Parents and students at Elkhorn’s Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools are worried after an investigation revealed non-compliance with city occupancy laws. Despite assurances from the Elkhorn School District regarding safety, ongoing construction has left these schools with unfinished facilities, posing potential risks to students. Issues reported include construction debris, lack of essential services, and ongoing construction activities. City officials are urging compliance while parents call for transparency to ensure student safety during this transitional period.
Omaha, Nebraska – Parents and students at Elkhorn’s Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools are expressing concerns after an investigation revealed that the newly opened schools are not in compliance with Omaha city law regarding occupancy. Despite the Elkhorn School District’s insistence that the schools are safe, the ongoing construction and compliance issues have raised alarms among parents and city officials alike.
On the first day of school, students at Iron Bluff Elementary were met with an active construction site featuring heavy machinery and unfinished sidewalks. This situation mirrored that of Stone Pointe Elementary, where ongoing construction also left many parents worried about potential safety hazards. Observations included men welding and classrooms lacking electricity or air conditioning, raising immediate questions regarding the suitability of these environments for learning.
The Iowa Building Department confirmed that the Elkhorn Public Schools do not have a certificate of occupancy, which is required for facilities to be open to students. Authorities noted that while the schools are currently violating the law, a municipal code exemption for schools prevents penalties from being imposed. City officials are urging for better compliance concerning safety regulations at both city and state levels. Concerns regarding safe conditions for children are paramount.
Inspection reports highlighted several shortcomings at both schools, including issues with fire prevention systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, as well as storm shelter inspections. Parents have noted the presence of construction debris such as nails and screws, which could pose health and safety risks for students. Additionally, important common areas like music, art rooms, and playgrounds are still under construction, affecting the overall educational environment.
In response to the ongoing challenges, meals for students at Iron Bluff will be initially prepared at Elkhorn South High School and transported directly to the school. Furthermore, the C-wing of Stone Pointe remains unfinished and will be inaccessible until mid-September. Due to the construction, parents are advised to allow extra time for student pick-up and drop-off, as parking lots remain under construction and common area flooring is still incomplete.
The contractor responsible for the schools, Prairie Construction, has stated that all critical safety inspections were completed prior to allowing student occupancy. However, parent Stacy Morris and others remain apprehensive regarding the conditions within the schools as construction continues. Despite the Elkhorn School District’s position on the occupancy certificate requiring the full completion of projects—including landscaping—concerns persist in the community regarding safety and compliance.
As the situation unfolds, the Elkhorn School District continues to maintain that both schools adhere to necessary safety standards, while parents and city officials advocate for transparency and compliance with local laws. The community’s focus remains on student safety during this challenging transitional period.
FAQ
What are the current issues at Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools?
The schools are under ongoing construction and lack compliance with city occupancy laws, raising safety concerns among parents and officials.
Are the schools safe for students?
While the Elkhorn School District insists that the schools are safe, parents have reported various safety hazards due to unfinished construction and lack of essential services.
What specific safety concerns have been raised?
Parents have highlighted issues with fire prevention systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, as well as potential risks from construction debris.
What actions are officials taking regarding compliance?
City officials are urging for compliance at both city and state levels but noted that penalties cannot be imposed due to a municipal code exemption for schools.
How will meals be provided to students?
Initially, meals for Iron Bluff students will be prepared at Elkhorn South High School and transported to the school.
When will the construction issues be resolved?
The C-wing at Stone Pointe will remain closed until mid-September, and both schools continue to have areas under construction.
Key Features Summary
| Key Feature | Iron Bluff Elementary | Stone Pointe Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Status | Non-compliant with occupancy laws | Non-compliant with occupancy laws |
| Construction Status | Active construction, unfinished sidewalks | Active construction, C-wing unfinished |
| Safety Concerns | Heavy machinery, ongoing hazards | Construction debris, unfinished common areas |
| Meal Preparation | Meals transported from Elkhorn South High School | Meals not specified |
| Closure of Sections | No reported closures | C-wing closed 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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