August 14, 2025

Elkhorn Schools Open Amid Construction and Safety Concerns

News Summary

Elkhorn’s Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools have opened despite significant construction and safety compliance issues, lacking a certificate of occupancy. While the district insists the schools are safe, parents have raised alarms over ongoing construction and inadequate safety measures, prompting scrutiny from city officials. The district faces pressure to ensure a secure learning environment as they navigate ongoing construction challenges.

Omaha, Nebraska – Elkhorn’s Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools have opened their doors to students amidst significant construction and safety compliance issues. An investigation revealed that both schools do not have a certificate of occupancy, violating Omaha city laws regarding occupancy regulations. Despite these findings, the Elkhorn School District maintains that the schools are safe for students and staff.

On the first day of school at Iron Bluff Elementary, students encountered an active construction site featuring heavy machinery and unfinished sidewalks. Similarly, ongoing construction at Stone Pointe Elementary raised alarms among parents concerned about potential safety hazards. Observations made by parents indicated that the schools were not fully prepared for student occupancy, with construction crews working throughout the buildings.

Concerns regarding safety have been corroborated by inspection reports. Parents identified significant issues related to the schools’ fire prevention systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and storm shelter inspections. In light of these issues, Anna Bespoyasny from the Omaha Building Department confirmed that Elkhorn Public Schools do not possess a certificate of occupancy and should not be open to students until they comply with safety regulations.

The Elkhorn School District responded by stating that the occupancy certificate necessitates the full completion of projects, including landscaping. City officials acknowledged the law violations but mentioned that they were unable to impose penalties due to a municipal code exemption for educational institutions. Bespoyasny emphasized the importance of addressing these regulatory shortcomings to ensure children are not placed in unsafe conditions.

The construction work, primarily managed by the district’s contractor, Prairie Construction, reportedly adhered to essential safety inspections before allowing students to occupy the buildings. However, the ongoing construction significantly affects several areas, including music and art rooms, playgrounds, and kitchens. For instance, meals for Iron Bluff students will initially be prepared at Elkhorn South High School and transported to their respective school.

At Stone Pointe, the C-wing remains unfinished and is scheduled to be blocked off until mid-September. Moreover, parents have expressed growing concern regarding construction debris such as nails and screws that could pose health and safety risks to students. In addition, both schools are experiencing incomplete common area flooring, and parking lots are still under reconstruction, prompting the district to advise parents to allocate extra time for student drop-offs and pick-ups.

As the school year progresses, the Elkhorn School District faces the dual challenge of ensuring a safe learning environment while managing ongoing construction. The district’s commitment to safety has been reiterated, but the spotlight remains on compliance with municipal regulations. Parents and community stakeholders will continue to watch the situation closely as the district works toward resolving these issues.

In summary, while the new Elkhorn elementary schools have opened, the lack of a certificate of occupancy, ongoing construction, and identified safety issues present significant challenges that will need to be addressed to ensure a conducive environment for learning.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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