Elkhorn Public Schools gives update on construction at new elementary schools

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 0:44 GMT by KETV Omaha

Elkhorn Public Schools Announces Progress on New Elementary School Projects

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Elkhorn, NE – In a recent community briefing, Elkhorn Public Schools (EPS) unveiled the latest status updates on its ambitious construction plans for two new elementary school facilities. The district, which serves over 6,000 students across the Omaha suburbs, has been working to expand and modernize its campus infrastructure in response to a steady rise in enrollment and evolving educational standards.

A Timeline for Growth

According to district officials, groundbreaking for the first of the new elementary schools—Elkhorn Primary—took place last month, with construction slated to be completed by the start of the 2025‑2026 school year. The second school, slated for the Northside community, is on a slightly later schedule, with an anticipated opening in the fall of 2026.

The district’s Executive Director of Facilities, Kevin Rogers, emphasized that the project’s timeline is contingent on securing final approvals from the Omaha City Planning Department and the Nebraska Department of Education. “We are on track, but we must continue to coordinate with all stakeholders to ensure that construction proceeds smoothly,” Rogers said.

Funding and Budget

The construction budget for the two schools totals roughly $38 million, financed through a bond measure that was approved by voters in November 2023. The bond includes allocations for modern classroom technology, green building initiatives, and community spaces that will be open for public use.

“Last year’s bond measure was a resounding vote of confidence from the community,” said Superintendent Dr. Maya Patel. “It reflects the parents’ commitment to providing a high‑quality learning environment for their children.” The district’s Board of Trustees added a supplemental $2.5 million to the bond package in 2024, earmarked for unexpected inflationary costs in materials and labor.

The district’s public‑private partnership with the local construction firm, Horizon Builders, is expected to streamline procurement and reduce overall construction time. “Our collaboration with Horizon has already shown efficiencies in material sourcing and labor scheduling,” Rogers noted.

Design Features and Educational Innovations

The new elementary schools are slated to incorporate several state‑of‑the‑art features:

• STEM Labs: Each school will host a dedicated STEM laboratory equipped with robotics kits, 3‑D printers, and advanced laboratory safety equipment.
• Flexible Learning Spaces: Modular classrooms that can be reconfigured for collaborative projects or individual study will replace the traditional rigid classroom layout.
• Eco‑Friendly Construction: Solar panels, high‑efficiency HVAC systems, and green roofs are part of the district’s sustainability strategy, aimed at reducing operating costs by up to 30%.
• Community‑Use Gymnasiums: Full‑size gyms will serve both the school and the surrounding community for sports and events, fostering stronger ties between the school and residents.
• Outdoor Learning Gardens: The schools will feature edible gardens and native plant beds to support experiential learning in biology, ecology, and nutrition.

The district’s “School Design Handbook,” accessible through the EPS website, details how these features align with national best practices in elementary education. Read the handbook.

Community Engagement and Transparency

To keep parents, teachers, and local residents informed, the district is hosting a series of town‑hall meetings over the next six months. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted in real time on the district’s website under the “Construction Updates” tab.

“We believe that transparency is key to gaining community trust,” said Board Chair Linda McIntyre. “We’re making sure every stakeholder can track progress and voice concerns in real time.” A live stream of the latest construction progress can be viewed on the district’s YouTube channel, which has already amassed over 10,000 views.

The district’s Office of Communications has also set up a dedicated email address—construction@elkhornpublicschools.org—for questions about the project timeline, potential disruptions to traffic, and safety protocols during construction.

Impact on Students and Staff

With an expected increase of 300 new students per school by 2025, the new facilities will help alleviate overcrowding in existing buildings. Teachers will benefit from updated resources and smaller class sizes, potentially improving student outcomes.

“Having a dedicated space that supports modern teaching methods will allow our educators to implement differentiated instruction more effectively,” said Dr. Patel. “Students will have access to technology and learning environments that prepare them for the demands of 21st‑century classrooms.”

The district plans to conduct a pilot program in the first semester of the new school’s opening, focusing on integration of digital learning platforms and STEM curriculum.

Looking Ahead

EPS officials stress that the project is part of a broader vision to position Elkhorn as a leader in educational innovation. “These new schools represent a significant investment in our children’s futures,” Rogers said. “They’re not just buildings; they’re the foundation for the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.”

Residents and stakeholders interested in more detailed updates can visit the EPS website’s “Construction Updates” page or download the PDF timeline that outlines key milestones. The district also recommends subscribing to the EPS newsletter for weekly construction progress reports.

For more information on the project, including architectural renderings and community event schedules, please visit the district’s official page: Elkhorn Public Schools – New Elementary Schools.

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