Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. EPS Administration Building Staff District Staff Building Facilities Personnel Student Services Maintenance Teacher Training Conference Center Staff 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. Deputies have have spoken to the victim and the victims family regarding this matter. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. 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. Parks said they are conducting an internal review of their policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries and will be providing training for all staff. OMAHA, Neb. All rights reserved. Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. 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.. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . 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. 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. alia.conley@owh.com, 402-444-1068, twitter.com/aliaconleyOWH. 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. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. Alia Conley covers breaking news, crime and courts. (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. 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. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. 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. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Elkhorn South Band Director. Elkhorn South band director Michelle Bluford made her first appearance in court Wednesday. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. Mark Hiebner. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for. One board member, Nancy Rogic-Greufe, was absent during the vote. 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. Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. To reset your password, enter your email address and press Submit. 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. OMAHA, Neb. RELATED: Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. Bluford was booked Monday into the Douglas County Jail after a warrant was issued for her arrest late last week. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. She previous also taught in the Ponca Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools . Doug Bogatz. 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. You can cancel at any time. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. OMAHA, Neb. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. 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. OMAHA, Neb. 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. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. According to court documents, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. They did this approximately three times a week at the school. Share Tweet Advertisement Search (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. Posted By : / how do i access my talk21 email /; Under :eaglestone village lambertville, mieaglestone village lambertville, mi Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. 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. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Bluford has been director of the Elkhorn South High School band for several years and has been employed by the district for two decades. 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. READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. She has won numerous awards, including OPS Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. 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. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. All rights reserved. OMAHA, Neb. 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 His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. Kjelstrup told the judge Bluford would take the victim to her car for cuddling sessions. Her bands and students have performed at the regional, state and national levels. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. "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. 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. 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. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. Welcome to Shawn Bells teaching platform Bell Tone Brass Studio. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Position switches part of 'magic' for Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, Shatel: Sam Griesel is 'living the dream' at Nebraska - all thanks to the transfer portal, Live updates: Nebraska high school girls basketball state tournament semifinals, Elkhorn South band teachers on administrative leave; one person under investigation, Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse, Former Elkhorn South band director faces more charges, is accused of grooming student, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza, Greece train crash: Public anger grows as death toll rises. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. Father, son charged with animal cruelty after hundreds of dead and dying cattle found on Lincoln County property. 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. 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, who has been with Elkhorn Public Schools for more than 20 years, was charged Wednesday with one count of intentional child abuse. Superintendent Bary Habrock presented the request for Bluford's contract to be terminated. She can be released if she posts 10% of that amount, or $7,500. (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. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. 1.1K1.1K. But it provides a general description of Class 3A felony abuse. Phone: 402-444-1068. The victim would sit on the defendant's lap and she would rock her, Kjelstrup said. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. Fremont Sr. 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 would then rock the victims face close to her chest as though they were trying to breastfeed. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. Dr. Michelle Bluford, and her students here at Elkhorn South High School! In addition to lessons, Shawn is available for clinics, masterclasses, and other small and large ensemble coaching by appointment. Kristi Hiles-Smith. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three . Dr. Harriet Bluford Memorial Scholarship: Delanie Ferzely: Dr. Michelle Bluford Music Scholarship: Elizabeth Watzke: Echelon Homes Construction & Engineering Scholarship: Miguel Redlin: District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. 22 9 comments Best Add a Comment "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. Once, Kjelstrup said, the girl went to Blufords apartment, where the girl saw numerous photos of herself, including one large photo. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. The defendant would intertwine her legs with the victim and hug the victim tightly, Kjelstrup said. 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. 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 judge set Blufords bond at $75,000. 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. My teaching style is highly tailored to each students individual needs and musical goals. Shawn has a keen sense and ability for being able to identify what will help students feel successful in jazz improvisation immediately. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. 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. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Investigators accuse her of using predatory grooming behaviors which eventually led to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Bluford. 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. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. 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 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. Documents now indicate that Bluford also faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period Please subscribe to keep reading. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail.. 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. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. 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. Perchal said Brian Nelsen has been named Elkhorn Souths band director, while Bluford remains on administrative leave. Send an Email. The vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. Bluford drove the girl around in her car, where cuddling sessions occurred, Kjelstrup said, and Bluford tried to get the girl to fall asleep. Last I heard she was supposed to appear in court again last august but no update since then. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. (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. 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 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. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. The Sheriff's Office says Elkhorn Public Schools have been fully cooperative during the investigation. OMAHA, Neb. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. (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. Dr. Michelle Bluford. 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. 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. Follow her on Twitter @aliaconleyOWH. Email Address:. Dr. Scott Cowan Professor, Jazz studies Western Michigan University. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail. 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 At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. . 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. 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. OMAHA, Neb. Bryan Bohn. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. 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. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. All rights reserved. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. 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. OMAHA, Neb. As a guest conductor for our WMU Jazz Orchestra he directed with focus and precision. Bluford was placed on administrative leave in June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. 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. Phone: (308) 446-2244. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents.. They referred to this a quiet time, judge. "I love when the student's lightbulb turns on when they engage," said Sekle. Copyright 2021 WOWT. (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. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. 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