Concerns Raised Over New Elkhorn Schools Amid Construction

Categories: National Construction NewsNews

Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe Elementary Schools still under construction as students arrive for their first day.

News Summary

New elementary schools, Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe, opened to students while ongoing construction raises safety compliance concerns. Lack of certificates of occupancy and issues like incomplete utilities and safety hazards have parents anxious about the learning environment. City officials emphasize the importance of child safety as inspections reveal critical issues that haven’t been fully resolved. The situation puts the readiness of these facilities into question as the academic year begins.

Elkhorn, Nebraska – New elementary schools, Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe, began welcoming students on the first day of the academic year amid ongoing construction and safety compliance concerns. Investigations have revealed that both schools lack a proper certificate of occupancy, prompting city officials to question the legality of students being present on the premises.

The Elkhorn School District maintains that Iron Bluff and Stone Pointe are safe for both students and staff, despite the ongoing construction. On the opening day, students at Iron Bluff found themselves amid an active construction zone that involved heavy machinery and incomplete sidewalks, raising questions about safety protocols in place.

Concerns escalated when parents noticed construction workers welding inside the schools. Reports indicated various critical issues, including problems with fire prevention systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, alongside pending storm shelter inspections as indicated in inspection reports. Observations from parents indicated that some classrooms lacked essential utilities such as electricity and air conditioning, which are critical for a conducive learning environment.

An inspection by the Omaha Building Department confirmed that Elkhorn Public Schools has not fulfilled legal requirements by obtaining a certificate of occupancy, which is necessary for any structure intended for public use, including schools. Officials stated that under city law, the schools should not have opened until full compliance was achieved. According to city regulations, while the schools are indeed violating these rules, penalties cannot be imposed due to a municipal code exemption specifically for educational institutions.

City officials stressed the importance of prioritizing children’s safety, underscoring the immediate risks presented by ongoing construction activities on school grounds. Both the Elkhorn School District’s contractor, Prairie Construction, and district officials asserted that critical safety inspections were completed prior to student occupancy. However, ongoing construction continues to disrupt various facilities such as music and art rooms, playgrounds, and kitchens.

To address immediate logistical challenges, meals for students at Iron Bluff will be prepared at Elkhorn South High School and transported to the elementary school. Meanwhile, a significant portion of Stone Pointe, notably the C-wing, remains incomplete and will be restricted from student access until mid-September.

Many parents voiced their apprehensions about the potential health and safety risks posed by construction debris, including scattered nails and screws, outlining their worries about the learning environment for their children. The flooring in common areas at both schools is still not complete, and parking facilities are under construction, prompting concerns about arrival and dismissal safety. Parents were advised to anticipate possible delays during these times.

While the Elkhorn School District is committed to ensuring a safe educational experience for its students, the ongoing construction and the lack of regulatory compliance raise pressing questions about readiness and safety for the new academic year. As the situation develops, both parents and educational officials are left to navigate the complexities surrounding the new facilities in the context of ongoing compliance issues.