Compliance Concerns Arise at New Elkhorn Elementary Schools

Elkhorn, August 14, 2025

News Summary

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.

Ongoing Construction Raises Compliance Concerns at New Elkhorn Elementary Schools Amid First Day of Classes

On the first day of classes, two newly built elementary schools in the Elkhorn School District opened under conditions that drew questions from local officials and parents alike. The facilities, Iron Bluff Elementary and Stone Pointe Elementary, are reported to be not in compliance with city occupancy rules, and observers say they should not be open to students until the remaining safety and infrastructure work is completed. The district, however, contends that the schools are safe and secure for students and staff and within a plan to address outstanding items.

As classrooms welcomed kindergarten through fifth grade students, families encountered visible signs of ongoing construction. Active work zones lingered inside the buildings, and buses and staff moved past heavy equipment and unfinished sidewalks along routes that lead to classroom wings. Outside, similar conditions persisted with construction crews, scaffolding, and equipment visible from entrances that are typically used by students and families during drop-off and pickup.

Across parent conversations and school messages, frustration grew as some areas inside the campuses remained incomplete. Reports noted conditions such as welding activity, lack of electricity or air conditioning, and ongoing construction crews in proximity to spaces meant for learning. A parent who observed the first-day environment pointed to several safety hazards, including cords hanging from ceilings and other work-related elements that could raise concerns about day-to-day safety for students and school staff.

Investigations into the facilities identified serious deficiencies in several critical systems. Fire prevention and protection measures, plumbing, heating and cooling, and storm shelter inspections were all noted as lacking in some areas of the two campuses. These findings contribute to questions about whether the buildings can operate without risking student safety until all required improvements are completed.

An Omaha building official noted that the Elkhorn School District does not possess a certificate of occupancy, a document that confirms a building is safe and ready for use. The official described occupancy as unlawful until that certificate is issued, and stated that city law requires occupancy to be legally granted before students can use the facilities. In the district’s view, however, the situation involved a balance of inspected items and ongoing work that would allow temporary use while final steps were completed.

The district, along with Prairie Construction, issued statements indicating that prior inspections and corrective actions were completed to support safe occupancy, with the exception of certain landscaping and minor work remaining. The municipality responded by noting that, even without an occupancy certificate, buildings in this situation could be exempt from certain penalty fees that normally apply when occupancy certificates are not present. In practical terms, this means the district is navigating a narrow path between compliance and practical operation as the summer construction cycle continues.

State officials raised concerns about the number and scope of code violations observed at the two campuses, warning that the conditions could create risk for students if not addressed promptly. City authorities acknowledged the tension between enforcement and existing municipal codes, saying that action is constrained by the framework of local regulations while the work remains underway. In the meantime, administrators prepared for the start of classes with safety measures and revised routines intended to protect students during ongoing construction activity.

Part of the initial back-to-school plan involved rerouting some play areas and meals. Parents were informed that students would use alternate play spaces as playgrounds and kitchen facilities continue to be built. Meals planned for the schools would instead be prepared at another location. These adjustments were described as temporary arrangements designed to maintain student welfare while construction progresses.

The district acknowledged that, although safety features and occupancy inspections have been completed in key areas, significant portions of both schools remain unfinished. Officials stressed that the district has undertaken multiple construction projects over the summer, which has contributed to delays and complexities in the overall timeline. Officials said that completion dates would be clarified in the coming weeks as work advances and inspectors issue further guidance.

Throughout the period surrounding the opening, the district communicated with parents to emphasize safety and well-being. In advance, families were alerted to the construction conditions and reassured that measures were in place to support student safety, including monitored access points, supervised routes, and updated routines designed to minimize exposure to active construction zones. The evolving status of the campuses remains under close review by municipal and state authorities as teams work to resolve outstanding issues and move toward full, compliant occupancy.

FAQ

What is the main concern surrounding the two new schools?

The primary concern is that the buildings are not yet compliant with city occupancy rules and require additional safety system improvements before full occupancy can be approved.

What has been observed on the first day of classes?

Classrooms and surrounding areas showed active construction zones, with heavy equipment, unfinished sidewalks, and outside work ongoing as students arrived and moved through the buildings.

What issues were identified in inspections?

Inspection reports highlighted deficiencies in fire prevention, plumbing, heating and cooling, and storm shelter systems, prompting questions about readiness for occupancy.

What does not having a certificate of occupancy mean?

Without a certificate of occupancy, the buildings are not legally authorized for use, and occupancy may be considered unlawful until the certificate is issued following a pass of all required inspections.

What actions have been taken by the district and builders?

The district and Prairie Construction stated that most necessary inspections and corrective actions for safe occupancy have been completed, with only landscaping and minor items remaining.

Will penalties apply for absence of occupancy certification?

The city indicated that occupancy-related penalties may be avoided in this situation, though the lack of a certificate still limits legal occupancy until compliance is achieved.

Key features at a glance

Occupancy certificate obtained

Compliance with city occupancy rules

Active construction inside buildings

Reported safety hazards (cords, equipment)

Safety features and inspections completed for occupancy

Alternate play areas and meals arrangements in place

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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
• Google Search: Elkhorn School District Construction Issues
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety Standards