Ryan Placek, Millard North High School. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Bluford has been director of the Elkhorn South High School band for several years and has been employed by the district for two decades. Oakland-Craig Band Director. What ever happened to Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn band teacher? 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. . 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. 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Bluford was placed on administrative leave in June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Submit a Public Notice for Omaha World-Herald, Dirk Chatelain: Driven by the story, mine at The World-Herald has come to an end (for now at least), From 'Inside Edition' to 'Good Morning America,' Nebraska cheerleader inundated with national interviews, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Why Keisei Tominaga is walking on Senior Night - and a key factor in his potential return, McKewon: Why Nebraska teams could roar like lions in March, and a tribute to Dirk Chatelain, From being cut to facing Patrick Mahomes daily, former Nebraska DB Dicaprio Bootle earned ring, Live updates: Nebraska high school girls basketball state tournament, Shatel: Big Ten has a little cleaning up to do before inviting more schools to the party, Former Nebraska corrections employee charged with felony after delivering inmate's baby, officials say, Behind a pair of sisters and unbridled small-town support, Bridgeport believes this is the year, Cheetah briefly escapes enclosure at Omaha zoo, Nebraska high school boys basketball state tournament schedule, Time to move? Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Dr. Harriet Bluford Memorial Scholarship: Delanie Ferzely: Dr. Michelle Bluford Music Scholarship: Elizabeth Watzke: Echelon Homes Construction & Engineering Scholarship: Miguel Redlin: "We offer our deepest sympathies to the victim and her family and are very saddened by the events that transpired," Parks said, reading from a prepared statement. Her bands and students have performed at the regional, state and national levels. Elkhorn South band director charged with child abuse in case involving former student. OMAHA, Neb. All rights reserved. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. Previously was employed with Elkhorn Schools for about 20 years.. The girl told authorities that approximately three times a week, the two would have quiet time, which was when the girl would sit on Blufords lap. She has won numerous awards, including OPS Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. (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.. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. RELATED: Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. An anti-hate activities policy is unanimously approved by the Westside school board, following reports of racial slurs being hurled at Black basketball players in other local schools. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. 22 9 comments Best Add a Comment Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. 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. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse. 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. 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. 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. They did this approximately three times a week at the school. Michelle Bluford, 55, who worked for the Elkhorn Public Schools for more than 20 years, is accused of grooming a former female student for two years, forcing her to download an app so her. I believe this fosters a level of engagement that serves students as both young musicians and life-long patrons of the arts. (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. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. 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. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Doug Bogatz. 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. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. 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. OMAHA, Neb. South Sioux City Band Director. Elkhorn South High Schools band director is accused of grooming a former female student for two years, forcing her to download an app so her movements could be tracked, rocking the girl as if she were breastfeeding her and touching the girl inappropriately. Share Tweet Advertisement Search Dr. Michelle Bluford, and her students here at Elkhorn South High School! Director bands Elkhorn High School, since 2000. 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. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. Select a building to view staff. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. 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. Last I heard she was supposed to appear in court again last august but no update since then. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. OMAHA, Neb. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. (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. The defendant would intertwine her legs with the victim and hug the victim tightly, Kjelstrup said. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. Bluford also required the girl to hug her at the beginning and end of each school day, the prosecutor said. The girl had reported her allegations of abuse to someone this summer, and the allegations then were brought to authorities. 2005 - Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn High School 2006 - Fred Ritter, Columbus High School 2007 - Sharon Hoffman, Bayard Public Schools 2008 - Byron Braasch, Lewis & Clark Middle School 2009 - Stan Johnson, Shickley Public Schools 2010 - Dave Klein, Kearney Public Schools 2011 - Cheri Helmer-Riensche, Papillion-La Vista South High School 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. (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. Father, son charged with animal cruelty after hundreds of dead and dying cattle found on Lincoln County property, Mullen basketball tournament honors late coaches, Bridge of hope Advocacy Center raises over $15,000 in their event, NPIce closes early due to mechanical issues. OMAHA, Neb. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. The Sheriff's Office says, after consultation with the Douglas County Attorneys Office, an arrest warrant had earlier been issued for Bluford. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. Shawn has a keen sense and ability for being able to identify what will help students feel successful in jazz improvisation immediately. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. Bryan Bohn. Send an Email. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. During an initial court appearance on Wednesday, a judge set bond was set at 10% of $75,000 for 55 year old Michelle A. Bluford. Omaha, NE - 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. . 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. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . Dr. Scott Cowan Professor, Jazz studies Western Michigan University. Bluford worked for the Elkhorn school district for 21 of her 33 years as a teacher. Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. Copyright 2021 WOWT. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. Details revealed in court Wednesday alleged Dr. Michelle Bluford manipulated the student,. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail. 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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. Five of the board members voted to terminate the contract without question or comment. OMAHA, Neb. She then would rock the victim with her face close to her chest as if she were trying to breastfeed, Kjelstrup said. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Elkhorn South band director facing felony child abuse charge, Father, son charged with animal cruelty after hundreds of dead and dying cattle found on Lincoln County property, Elkhorn South band teachers were placed on administrative leave. 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. Phone: (308) 446-2244. Michelle Bluford - Elkhorn South High School 2014-2015 John Keith - Millard West High School 2015-2016 Frank Ibero - Scottsbluff High School 2016-2017 Brady Rohlfs - Waverly High School 2017-2018 Dan Sodomka - Aurora High School 2018-2019 Carolyn Barber - University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2019-2020 Chiyo Trauernicht - Otte-Blair Middle School 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. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. 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. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail.. Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. Bluford also allegedly had the victim sit on her lap at school and rock them three times a week, calling this their quiet time. Later, Bluford also allegedly took the victim to her car for cuddles in an effort to get the student to fall asleep; and would rub her hands over the students body, including private areas, documents show. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. My teaching style is highly tailored to each students individual needs and musical goals. OMAHA, Neb. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. KMTV has reached out to Habrock for more information regarding this resignation but has yet to hear back. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. The judge set Blufords bond at $75,000. After an investigation by the Sherriff's Office, it was established that Dr. Michelle Bluford had started an inappropriate relationship with a former student that lasted about three years, said the. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. The Red Line extension will have three new underground stations . Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Fremont Sr. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. She has been an educator for 16 years, including 14 at Benson High. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. The complaint filed by Deputy County Attorney Molly Keane on Thursday alleges a minor child was put into an exploitive situation in the span of two years, from June 26, 2017-2019. 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. The relationship consisted of predatory grooming behavior which lead to sexual contact. The two began texting, Kjelstrup said, and Bluford told the girl that she missed her and couldnt wait for her to hurry back to school. 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. 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. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. You will receive an email with additional instructions. Alia Conley covers breaking news, crime and courts. She can be released if she posts 10% of that amount, or $7,500. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three . 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. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. "The physical safety and personal well-being of our students is always our top priority and we believe the actions taken today reflect our continued dedication to our students.". Tonight Dr. Michelle Bluford sits in the Douglas County Jail as Elkhorn Public Schools confirms a new head band director has been hired, and KETV had the opportunity to talk with one of her. According to her biography on the Music for All website, where Bluford is listed as a summer symposium faculty member, before teaching in Elkhorn she spent six years at Ponca Public Schools and six years at Benson High School. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 2005 - Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn High School 2006 - Fred Ritter, Columbus High School 2007 - Sharon Hoffman, Bayard Public Schools 2008 - Byron Braasch, Lewis & Clark Middle School 2009 - Stan Johnson, Shickley Public Schools 2010 - Dave Klein, Kearney Public Schools 2011 - Cheri Helmer-Riensche, Papillion-La Vista South High School I strive not only to teach my students about the technical aspects of playing a brass instrument, but also to challenge them to think critically about the music they perform and listen to. 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. 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. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great "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. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. In an effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 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. (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. She previous also taught in the Ponca Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools . Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. 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. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. Further into the release, DCSO states, the relationship consisted of predatory grooming behaviors which eventually lead to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Dr. Bluford. Officials say no more details will be released to the public until the investigation is complete and the Elkhorn Public School admission has been fully cooperative. 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. OMAHA, Neb. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, for three years Bluford "initiated and nurtured" an inappropriate relationship with a now former student. 5 6 7 Perchal said Brian Nelsen has been named Elkhorn Souths band director, while Bluford remains on administrative leave. All rights reserved. Further into the release, DCSO states, the relationship consisted of predatory grooming behaviors which eventually lead to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Dr. Bluford. Officials say no more details will be released to the public until the investigation is complete and the Elkhorn Public School admission has been fully cooperative. OMAHA, Neb. Father, son charged with animal cruelty after hundreds of dead and dying cattle found on Lincoln County property. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. The complaint filed by Deputy County Attorney Molly Keane on Thursday alleges a minor child was put into an exploitive situation in the span of two years, from June 26, 2017-2019. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance, Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. Posted By : / how do i access my talk21 email /; Under :eaglestone village lambertville, mieaglestone village lambertville, mi Documents now indicate that Bluford also faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child. (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. She also repeatedly kissed the victims head, face and arms.. They referred to this a quiet time, judge. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Bluford also allegedly had the victim sit on her lap at school and rock them three times a week, calling this their quiet time. Later, Bluford also allegedly took the victim to her car for cuddles in an effort to get the student to fall asleep; and would rub her hands over the students body, including private areas, documents show. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. The victim would sit on the defendant's lap and she would rock her, Kjelstrup said. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. He brings a vast knowledge of brass pedagogy that helped to take our students to the next level. "I love when the student's lightbulb turns on when they engage," said Sekle. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. Zadzwo do nas: 600-88-46-13 | email:would a diamond pickaxe work in real life 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. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. 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. Shawn is currently accepting students of all ability levels for in person and online trombone, euphonium, tuba, and Jazz improvisation lessons. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. LISBON Metro has launched a tender for the construction of a 4km extension of the Red Line from So Sebastio to Alcntara. Kristi Hiles-Smith. I don't know why it just popped into my head to ask now, but just curious if anyone knows the outcome. . You have permission to edit this article. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Deputies have have spoken to the victim and the victims family regarding this matter. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. 1.1K1.1K. Bluford drove the girl around in her car, where cuddling sessions occurred, Kjelstrup said, and Bluford tried to get the girl to fall asleep. As a guest conductor for our WMU Jazz Orchestra he directed with focus and precision. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. Parks said they are conducting an internal review of their policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries and will be providing training for all staff. 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.
michelle bluford elkhorn south