Elkhorn South band director charged with child abuse in case involving former student. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. Zadzwo do nas: 600-88-46-13 | email:would a diamond pickaxe work in real life A spokeswoman with Elkhorn Public Schools confirmed Wednesday that ESHS summer band activities had resumed under the direction of Brian Nelsen, recently named the high schools new band director. The former Elkhorn South High School band director on Wednesday bonded out of Douglas County Jail, where she had been held on a felony child abuse charge. Previously was employed with Elkhorn Schools for about 20 years.. Dr. Michelle Bluford, the band director at Elkhorn South High School, was taken into custody late Monday, following a month-long investigation. Kara Perchal, a spokeswoman for the school district, declined to comment on the allegations raised in court Wednesday but later provided a statement about what the district is doing. All rights reserved. As a guest conductor for our WMU Jazz Orchestra he directed with focus and precision. Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Superintendent Bary Habrock presented the request for Bluford's contract to be terminated. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Elkhorn Public Schools is aware of the issuance of an arrest warrant for Michelle Bluford, and we continue to cooperate with the Douglas County Sheriffs office in their investigation. 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Is her trial still in process? The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. Douglas County Sheriff's Office (NE) announce the arrest of Elkhorn South High School Band Director Dr. Michelle Bluford, 55, in connection with an inappropriate relationship with a student for three years. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, for three years Bluford "initiated and nurtured" an inappropriate relationship with a now former student. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. The vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. She previous also taught in the Ponca Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools . Welcome to Shawn Bells teaching platform Bell Tone Brass Studio. alia.conley@owh.com, 402-444-1068, twitter.com/aliaconleyOWH. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School's band director, is charged with one count of intentional child abuse and ordered held on $75,000 bail. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period Bluford was placed on administrative leave in June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. The Sheriff says investigators last month were made aware of a potentially inappropriate relationship between a staff member and student occurring at Elkhorn South High School. South Sioux City Band Director. Deputies have have spoken to the victim and the victims family regarding this matter. The project has a budget of 405.4m, revised from the original estimate of 304m at the end of 2022 due to higher prices for raw materials and labour. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. Michelle Bluford, 55, who has been with Elkhorn Public Schools for more than 20 years, was charged Wednesday with one count of intentional child abuse. OMAHA, Neb. She also repeatedly kissed the victims head, face and arms.. OMAHA, Neb. Michelle Bluford, 55, who has been with Elkhorn Public Schools for more than 20 years, was charged Wednesday with one count of intentional child abuse. The Red Line extension will have three new underground stations . - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. Send an Email. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Douglas County sheriffs deputies still are investigating the matter and looking into Blufords background. Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. Elkhorn Public Schools is aware of the issuance of an arrest warrant for Michelle Bluford, and we continue to cooperate with the Douglas County Sheriffs office in their investigation. The arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. Posted By : / how do i access my talk21 email /; Under :eaglestone village lambertville, mieaglestone village lambertville, mi (WOWT) - The former Elkhorn South High School band director on Wednesday bonded out of Douglas County Jail, where she had been held on a felony child abuse charge. Shawn is currently accepting students of all ability levels for in person and online trombone, euphonium, tuba, and Jazz improvisation lessons. A spokeswoman with Elkhorn Public Schools confirmed Wednesday that ESHS summer band activities had resumed under the direction of Brian Nelsen, recently named the high schools new band director. Bluford has been director of the Elkhorn South High School band for several years and has been employed by the district for two decades. (Picture from Douglas County Sheriff's Office), Omaha's News, Weather & Traffic with the Good Morning Show, Scott Voorhees, Lucy Chapman, and Sean Callahan with Husker Sports, Traffic Reports from A1 United Heating & Air, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. . Please subscribe to keep reading. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. Elkhorn South Band Director. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. On Monday, Omaha authorities issued an arrest warrant following an investigation into an inappropriate relationship between an Elkhorn South High School band teacher and student, KETV Omaha reported. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says Elkhorn South High School Band Director Dr. Michelle Bluford was taken into custody Monday evening without incident for one count of Felony Child Abuse in an investigation that is ongoing. Kjelstrup added that Bluford would kiss the girls head, face and arms. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. Investigators accuse her of using predatory grooming behaviors which eventually led to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Bluford. Elkhorn South band teachers were placed on administrative leave at the end of June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship involving a staff member and a former student. The Sheriff's Office says, after consultation with the Douglas County Attorneys Office, an arrest warrant had earlier been issued for Bluford. Michelle A. Bluford, music educator. The Sheriff's Office says Elkhorn Public Schools have been fully cooperative during the investigation. Achievements . A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. The judge set Blufords bond at $75,000. She also taught for six years at Omaha Benson and Ponca Public School, according to her bio on that site, and has also served as president of the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association. Select a building to view staff. Elkhorn South band director facing felony child abuse charge, Sheriffs office investigating death of Hall county woman, False reports of school shootings all over Nebraska and the country, University of Nebraska Kearney students make valuable connections at Career and Internship Fair, UNK history professor uncovers Willa Cathers connections to campus, Kearney community, Next University of Nebraska Kearney Science Caf focuses on clinical trials in rural Nebraska, Elkhorn South band teachers were placed on administrative leave, publicfile@ksnblocal4.com - (402) 467-4321. They began a routine in which the defendant required the victim to hug her every morning before school and at the end of the day, Faith Kjelstrup, Deputy County Attorney said. But it provides a general description of Class 3A felony abuse. At some point, the victim came over to the defendant's apartment and saw numerous photos of the victim, including a large photo of the victim displayed at the defendant's apartment, Kjelstrup said. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A former Elkhorn South High School band director was scheduled to appear in court Friday but will not make an appearance until January after the arraignment was. OMAHA, Neb. (AP) A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. Previous reports from the Douglas County Sheriffs Office revealed that Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years. The DCSO release came back in July when Bluford was booked for her arrest warrant. She would then rock the victims face close to her chest as though they were trying to breastfeed. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. In an ongoing investigation with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, they were informed of a possible inappropriate relationship with a faculty member and student at Elkhorn South High School. Send an Email. They did this approximately three times a week at the school. Doug Bogatz. That charge could include endangering the life of a child; depriving them of necessities; placing the child in a situation that could lead to sexual exploitation; or forcing the child to engage in prostitution, indecency, pornography, or another situation allowing for sexual abuse. OMAHA, Neb. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says an arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, director of the Elkhorn South High School band who has been employed by the district for two decades. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Kristi Hiles-Smith. Blufords attorney, Matt Knipe, said Bluford has no criminal history and many ties to the community because of her two decades of employment with the Elkhorn Public Schools. The victim said she would pretend to be asleep and the defendant would rub her hands over the victims clothed body including the victims vagina and her breasts.. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. You have permission to edit this article. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. (WOWT) - A former Elkhorn South High School band director was scheduled to appear in court Friday but will not make an appearance until January after the arraignment was rescheduled. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Ryan Placek, Millard North High School. Copyright 2021 WOWT. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. . Her bands, orchestras, and jazz bands have consistently earned Superior Plus and Superior ratings at District Music Contest, state and regional competitions, the website states. EPS Administration Building Staff District Staff Building Facilities Personnel Student Services Maintenance Teacher Training Conference Center Staff All of us in the Nebraska Wind Symphony truly appreciate your support not only today but throughout the long and colorful history of our group. Prosecutor Faith Kjelstrup on Wednesday detailed what she said Bluford did to the former student behavior she said occurred between June 2017 and June 2019, when the teen graduated. (Beth Macdonald/Unsplash) (OMAHA, Neb.) She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. That charge could include endangering the life of a child; depriving them of necessities; placing the child in a situation that could lead to sexual exploitation; or forcing the child to engage in prostitution, indecency, pornography, or another situation allowing for sexual abuse. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. This $500 scholarship honors Dr. Bluford's life-long passion for education by recognizing a student graduating from an Elkhorn Public high school who displays positive participation in school and/or community activities and plans to continue his/her education in the field of education . Bluford, Kjelstrup said, had told the student that her family didnt care for her and made other statements that led the student to become alienated from her friends and family. 22 9 comments Best Add a Comment She also taught for six years at Omaha Benson and Ponca Public School, according to her bio on that site, and has also served as president of the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association. One board member, Nancy Rogic-Greufe, was absent during the vote. The girl had reported her allegations of abuse to someone this summer, and the allegations then were brought to authorities. (WOWT) - The former Elkhorn South High School band director on Wednesday bonded out of Douglas County Jail, where she had been held on a felony child abuse charge. Facebook Share Tweet Advertisement Search Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. Bluford was booked Monday into the Douglas County Jail after a warrant was issued for her arrest late last week. Phone: 402-444-1068. 5 6 7 Documents now indicate that Bluford also faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child. What ever happened to Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn band teacher? A Douglas County judge has signed an arrest warrant for Michelle Bluford, a music teacher with the Elkhorn Public School District. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. Advertisement Employees Number 417 1 2 3 . Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. . OMAHA, Neb. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. OMAHA, Neb. Send an Email. "It is our hope that we can begin to bring this matter to a close and continue to move forward in the best interest of our students," she said. Member of National Education Association, Nebraska Bandmasters Association (secretary 19882002, concert band festival chair since 2003), National Music Educators Association, Alpha Delta Pi (secretary, vice president 1986-1988), Phi Beta Mu. Mark Hiebner. Bluford began to isolate the student, sometimes taking the student off school grounds, texting the student, and having the student sign on to an app so they could be tracked, court documents state. Parks went on to say they are dedicated to protecting students from abuse and neglect and said they will take prompt action when a report is received. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. Once, Kjelstrup said, the girl went to Blufords apartment, where the girl saw numerous photos of herself, including one large photo. In an effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. Dr. Michelle Bluford, and her students here at Elkhorn South High School! Follow her on Twitter @aliaconleyOWH. With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Derick Lee Bluford (Omaha, Nebraska), born in Sioux City, Iowa, who passed away on December 9, 2021 at the age of 58. He brings a vast knowledge of brass pedagogy that helped to take our students to the next level. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. (Omaha, NE) -- A former Elkhorn South High School band director accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student bonds out of jail on Wednesday. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. All rights reserved. OMAHA, Neb. An investigation was conducted by the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, which established Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South Band Director, initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years. Sheriffs office investigating death of Hall county woman, False reports of school shootings all over Nebraska and the country, University of Nebraska Kearney students make valuable connections at Career and Internship Fair, UNK history professor uncovers Willa Cathers connections to campus, Kearney community, Next University of Nebraska Kearney Science Caf focuses on clinical trials in rural Nebraska, publicfile@ksnblocal4.com - (402) 467-4321. Her bands and students have performed at the regional, state and national levels. Bluford has been a director of instrumental music at Elkhorn South, Omaha Benson High School and the Ponca Public School, according to an online biography. Bluford worked for the Elkhorn school district for 21 of her 33 years as a teacher. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. Former Elkhorn South band teacher facing more abuse charges, Former Omaha Corrections employee arrested for alleged relationship with convicted murderer, Plattsmouth breaks ground on new wastewater treatment facility, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says an arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, director of the Elkhorn South High School band who has been employed by the. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. OMAHA, Neb. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96.