Unfinished construction at Elkhorn Elementary Schools raises safety concerns for students.
Elkhorn, August 14, 2025
The Elkhorn School District is grappling with serious compliance issues at its new elementary schools, Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe. With unfinished construction and safety concerns reported by parents, the absence of a valid certificate of occupancy heightens worries. Despite the district claiming safety measures are in place, ongoing inspections have revealed code violations, prompting state-level scrutiny. As students begin classes amidst construction, the district’s commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment remains under critical evaluation.
Two newly constructed elementary schools in the Elkhorn School District are facing significant compliance issues that have raised safety concerns as the academic year begins. Iron Bluff Elementary and Stone Pointe Elementary, which opened for classes recently, reportedly do not meet Omaha city laws necessary for occupancy. Findings from an ongoing investigation suggest that these schools may not have adequately prepared facilities for students.
Despite the investigation’s findings, the Elkhorn School District stands firm in its assertion that both campuses are safe and secure for the students and staff. On the very first day of classes for kindergarten through fifth-grade students, many encountered active construction areas, which included heavy machinery and unfinished sidewalks at Iron Bluff Elementary. Similarly, Stone Pointe Elementary revealed ongoing construction work just outside its entrance.
Frustration among parents has been palpable as they observed unfinished conditions inside the schools. Reports included signs of construction with welding activities still in progress, lack of electricity, air conditioning, and the presence of construction crews. One parent highlighted the sight of hazardous conditions—like exposed cords hanging from ceilings—that raised alarm about the potential risks to children.
Inspection reports have flagged numerous deficiencies in critical safety systems at both schools, including issues related to fire prevention, plumbing, heating, cooling, and required storm shelter inspections. The building superintendent responsible for permits and inspections in Omaha indicated that the Elkhorn School District does not possess a certificate of occupancy, rendering the current occupancy unlawful and raising further compliance concerns.
Assessments by city officials confirmed that the schools are violating municipal codes by opening without the necessary documentation. However, these schools are not subject to penalties typically imposed on buildings in similar situations due to specific exemptions outlined in municipal policy. Additionally, despite the compliance violations, officials from the school district and the construction company involved claimed that initial inspections were satisfactory and corrections were made for safe occupancy, with the exception of landscaping and minor tasks.
Concerns extend beyond local officials to state agencies that have expressed unease about multiple code violations potentially endangering students in their current environments. Officials noted that despite the lack of compliance, there is limited action that can be taken under existing city regulations.
As the district begins school operations, parents have been informed that students would utilize alternate play areas while construction continues on playgrounds and kitchen facilities, with meals prepared at a separate location. The Elkhorn School District has acknowledged that while some safety inspections have been completed and features installed, a significant portion of both schools remains incomplete. Delays caused by several simultaneous construction projects over the summer have further complicated the situation; however, completion dates for these projects are anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
In advance of the school year, parents received notifications regarding the construction conditions, along with reassurances that measures were taken to ensure student safety and well-being during this ongoing situation.
The main issues include lack of a certificate of occupancy, deficiencies in fire prevention systems, plumbing, heating, cooling, and ongoing construction hazards.
The district maintains that both schools are safe and that necessary inspections and corrective actions have been completed for occupancy.
Parents have been informed about the construction conditions and reassured that safety measures are implemented, including use of alternate play areas.
| School | Compliance Status | Key Issues | Response from District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Bluff Elementary | Non-compliant | Incomplete construction, safety hazards | Claims of safety and previously completed inspections |
| Stone Pointe Elementary | Non-compliant | Deficiencies in safety systems, ongoing construction | Claims of safety and previously completed inspections |
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