OMAHA, Neb. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . Mark Hiebner. 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. 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. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. Follow her on Twitter @aliaconleyOWH. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Bluford was placed on administrative leave in June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship. According to court documents, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. Dr. Michelle Bluford, the band director at Elkhorn South High School, was taken into custody late Monday, following a month-long investigation. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Send an Email. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. (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. 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. All rights reserved. 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 is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, for three years Bluford "initiated and nurtured" an inappropriate relationship with a now former student. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. Deputies have have spoken to the victim and the victims family regarding this matter. All rights reserved. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. 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. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. Litchfield Band Director. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. (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. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. "I love when the student's lightbulb turns on when they engage," said Sekle. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. Documents now indicate that Bluford also faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child. Phone: (308) 446-2244. Select a building to view staff. (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. 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. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. Dr. Michelle Bluford. 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. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. 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. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Douglas County sheriffs deputies still are investigating the matter and looking into Blufords background. Advertisement Employees Number 417 1 2 3 . 22 9 comments Best Add a Comment 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. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. Once, Kjelstrup said, the girl went to Blufords apartment, where the girl saw numerous photos of herself, including one large photo. 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.. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. She can be released if she posts 10% of that amount, or $7,500. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. To reset your password, enter your email address and press Submit. Is her trial still in process? You will receive an email with additional instructions. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. The victim would sit on the defendant's lap and she would rock her, Kjelstrup said. 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. The arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. 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. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. "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. KMTV has reached out to Habrock for more information regarding this resignation but has yet to hear back. Details revealed in court Wednesday alleged Dr. Michelle Bluford manipulated the student,. Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. The vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. 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. They referred to this a quiet time, judge. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail.. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. Last I heard she was supposed to appear in court again last august but no update since then. Bluford also required the girl to hug her at the beginning and end of each school day, the prosecutor said. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. OMAHA, Neb. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. (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. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. The Red Line extension will have three new underground stations . He brings a vast knowledge of brass pedagogy that helped to take our students to the next level. Investigators accuse her of using predatory grooming behaviors which eventually led to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Bluford. (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. Band Director. Kristi Hiles-Smith. Bryan Bohn. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. Previously was employed with Elkhorn Schools for about 20 years.. Send an Email. OMAHA, Neb. Director bands Elkhorn High School, since 2000. "I try to learn about my students and find stories that relate to them." Sekle was nominated by Dean Hohn, a chemical engineering major. 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 effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. OMAHA, Neb. Alia Conley covers breaking news, crime and courts. All rights reserved. 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. Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. LISBON Metro has launched a tender for the construction of a 4km extension of the Red Line from So Sebastio to Alcntara. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. 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. 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. 5 6 7 A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. 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. 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. 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 sheriff's office said it first learned of the alleged abuse in June and launched an investigation. . Please subscribe to keep reading. She previous also taught in the Ponca Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools . 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. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. I don't know why it just popped into my head to ask now, but just curious if anyone knows the outcome. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. 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. Shawn has a keen sense and ability for being able to identify what will help students feel successful in jazz improvisation immediately. Kjelstrup told the judge Bluford would take the victim to her car for cuddling sessions. 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. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 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. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Perchal said Brian Nelsen has been named Elkhorn Souths band director, while Bluford remains on administrative leave. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Facebook 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. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for. OMAHA, Neb. In addition to lessons, Shawn is available for clinics, masterclasses, and other small and large ensemble coaching by appointment. Dr. Scott Cowan Professor, Jazz studies Western Michigan University. 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. (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. 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. (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. 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. OMAHA, Neb. OMAHA, Neb. 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. Father, son charged with animal cruelty after hundreds of dead and dying cattle found on Lincoln County property. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. OMAHA, Neb. 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. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 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. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. The girl had reported her allegations of abuse to someone this summer, and the allegations then were brought to authorities. {{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? She then would rock the victim with her face close to her chest as if she were trying to breastfeed, Kjelstrup said. The Sheriff's Office says, after consultation with the Douglas County Attorneys Office, an arrest warrant had earlier been issued for Bluford. What ever happened to Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn band teacher? Michelle Bluford, 55,is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually , Elkhorn South High School's former band directorwas charged this week with two counts of third-degree sexual assault, which are in addition t. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period Achievements . EPS Administration Building Staff District Staff Building Facilities Personnel Student Services Maintenance Teacher Training Conference Center Staff 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. Share Tweet Advertisement Search 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. RELATED: Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. Email Address:. "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.". There was a problem saving your notification. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. Five of the board members voted to terminate the contract without question or comment. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. 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. 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. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. 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 Posted By : / how do i access my talk21 email /; Under :eaglestone village lambertville, mieaglestone village lambertville, mi 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. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 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 the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. 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. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. Fremont Sr. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. 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 Incidents happened both on and off school grounds over the course of a couple of years. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. You have permission to edit this article. 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. All rights reserved. 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. (Beth Macdonald/Unsplash) (OMAHA, Neb.) Bluford has been director of the Elkhorn South High School band for several years and has been employed by the district for two decades. At one point, Kjelstrup said, Bluford made the girl sign up for an app that would allow Bluford to track the girls location. 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. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. All rights reserved. Kjelstrup added that Bluford would kiss the girls head, face and arms. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. OMAHA, Neb. South Sioux City Band Director. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. sounds good synonympapa smurf tattoo. 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. 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. Superintendent Bary Habrock presented the request for Bluford's contract to be terminated. Bluford drove the girl around in her car, where cuddling sessions occurred, Kjelstrup said, and Bluford tried to get the girl to fall asleep. The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three . According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. OMAHA, Neb. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. 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.