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. Oakland-Craig Band Director. All rights reserved. (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 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. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. OMAHA, Neb. Fremont Sr. Bluford was placed on administrative leave in June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship. (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. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. {{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? Email Address:. 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. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. OMAHA, Neb. Follow her on Twitter @aliaconleyOWH. All rights reserved. In addition to lessons, Shawn is available for clinics, masterclasses, and other small and large ensemble coaching by appointment. Achievements . Kjelstrup added that Bluford would kiss the girls head, face and arms. The arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. sounds good synonympapa smurf tattoo. (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. Her bands and students have performed at the regional, state and national levels. 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. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. 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. Kjelstrup said things escalated from there. 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. As a guest conductor for our WMU Jazz Orchestra he directed with focus and precision. 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. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. 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. Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. 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 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. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. All rights reserved. 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. To reset your password, enter your email address and press Submit. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. 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 one point, Kjelstrup said, Bluford made the girl sign up for an app that would allow Bluford to track the girls location. All rights reserved. In an effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. 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. Michelle A. Bluford, music educator. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. 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.. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. She would then rock the victims face close to her chest as though they were trying to breastfeed. 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. 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. Zadzwo do nas: 600-88-46-13 | email:would a diamond pickaxe work in real life She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. Shawn is currently accepting students of all ability levels for in person and online trombone, euphonium, tuba, and Jazz improvisation lessons. (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. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. 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 defendant would intertwine her legs with the victim and hug the victim tightly, Kjelstrup said. Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. The victim would sit on the defendant's lap and she would rock her, Kjelstrup said. Shawn has a keen sense and ability for being able to identify what will help students feel successful in jazz improvisation immediately. She has won numerous awards, including OPS Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. 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 - 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 Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. Alia Conley covers breaking news, crime and courts. Kjelstrup told the judge Bluford would take the victim to her car for cuddling sessions. Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse. 5 6 7 They referred to this a quiet time, judge. "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.". District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. He brings a vast knowledge of brass pedagogy that helped to take our students to the next level. "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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Advertisement Employees Number 417 1 2 3 . The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . 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. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail.. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Documents now indicate that Bluford also faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child. The judge set Blufords bond at $75,000. 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. Once, Kjelstrup said, the girl went to Blufords apartment, where the girl saw numerous photos of herself, including one large photo. OMAHA, Neb. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. 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. 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. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. All rights reserved. The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. LISBON Metro has launched a tender for the construction of a 4km extension of the Red Line from So Sebastio to Alcntara. 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. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. 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. Send an Email. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. 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. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. One board member, Nancy Rogic-Greufe, was absent during the vote. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three . OMAHA, Neb. Copyright 2021 WOWT. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. 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.. . Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child 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. She then would rock the victim with her face close to her chest as if she were trying to breastfeed, Kjelstrup said. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Dr. Michelle Bluford, and her students here at Elkhorn South High School! Is her trial still in process? Bluford was booked Monday into the Douglas County Jail after a warrant was issued for her arrest late last week. The Red Line extension will have three new underground stations . The relationship consisted of predatory grooming behavior which lead to sexual contact. Previously was employed with Elkhorn Schools for about 20 years.. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. KMTV has reached out to Habrock for more information regarding this resignation but has yet to hear back. 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. Deputies have have spoken to the victim and the victims family regarding this matter. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Douglas County sheriffs deputies still are investigating the matter and looking into Blufords background. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. "I love when the student's lightbulb turns on when they engage," said Sekle. Details revealed in court Wednesday alleged Dr. Michelle Bluford manipulated the student,. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (Beth Macdonald/Unsplash) (OMAHA, Neb.) His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Litchfield Band Director. A Douglas County judge has signed an arrest warrant for Michelle Bluford, a music teacher with the Elkhorn Public School District. Posted By : / how do i access my talk21 email /; Under :eaglestone village lambertville, mieaglestone village lambertville, mi 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. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. Her preliminary hearing is August 27 at 9 a.m. A spokesperson for Elkhorn Public Schools said Bluford remains on administrative leave and they will continue to cooperate with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office investigation. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. 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. 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. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: thepmconsulting.com, +351211164216, +351916123136, +34633392927, +351910020585 PM Consulting Energy | PM Consulting Energy | consultoria e comercializao energia . According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. Mark Hiebner. (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. What ever happened to Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn band teacher? The girl told authorities that Bluford touched her inner legs, vagina and breasts during these interactions. alia.conley@owh.com, 402-444-1068, twitter.com/aliaconleyOWH. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. According to court documents, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. 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. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. Bryan Bohn. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. Select a building to view staff. 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. 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. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. 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. You can cancel at any time. Dr. Michelle Bluford. Send an Email. She has been an educator for 16 years, including 14 at Benson High. Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. 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. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. You have permission to edit this article. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. Send an Email. "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. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period Phone: (308) 446-2244. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Superintendent Bary Habrock presented the request for Bluford's contract to be terminated. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 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. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, for three years Bluford "initiated and nurtured" an inappropriate relationship with a now former student. Doug Bogatz. 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. "I try to learn about my students and find stories that relate to them." Sekle was nominated by Dean Hohn, a chemical engineering major. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Director bands Elkhorn High School, since 2000. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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 Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. . Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. They did this approximately three times a week at the school. Kristi Hiles-Smith. 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. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. 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. Please subscribe to keep reading. She also repeatedly kissed the victims head, face and arms.. She can be released if she posts 10% of that amount, or $7,500. 22 9 comments Best Add a Comment You will receive an email with additional instructions. Copyright 2021 WOWT. (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.