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. One board member, Nancy Rogic-Greufe, was absent during the vote. 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. Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. The arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Oakland-Craig Band Director. OMAHA, Neb. 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. 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. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. Father, son charged with animal cruelty after hundreds of dead and dying cattle found on Lincoln County property. KMTV has reached out to Habrock for more information regarding this resignation but has yet to hear back. Kjelstrup added that Bluford would kiss the girls head, face and arms. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. Michelle A. Bluford, music educator. 5 6 7 Bluford worked for the Elkhorn school district for 21 of her 33 years as a teacher. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. 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. Elkhorn South band director Michelle Bluford made her first appearance in court Wednesday. Dr. Michelle Bluford, the band director at Elkhorn South High School, was taken into custody late Monday, following a month-long investigation. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. The sheriff's office said it first learned of the alleged abuse in June and launched an investigation. 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. 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. 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. She has been an educator for 16 years, including 14 at Benson High. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. Send an Email. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. 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. . EPS Administration Building Staff District Staff Building Facilities Personnel Student Services Maintenance Teacher Training Conference Center Staff At one point, Kjelstrup said, Bluford made the girl sign up for an app that would allow Bluford to track the girls location. Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. (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. OMAHA, Neb. 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. OMAHA, Neb. She would then rock the victims face close to her chest as though they were trying to breastfeed. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. 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. Previous reports from the Douglas County Sheriffs Office revealed that Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years. The DCSO release came back in July when Bluford was booked for her arrest warrant. She 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. 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. You will receive an email with additional instructions. Her bands and students have performed at the regional, state and national levels. Details revealed in court Wednesday alleged Dr. Michelle Bluford manipulated the student,. Superintendent Bary Habrock presented the request for Bluford's contract to be terminated. 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, [email protected] - (402) 467-4321. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for. This $500 scholarship honors Dr. Bluford's life-long passion for education by recognizing a student graduating from an Elkhorn Public high school who displays positive participation in school and/or community activities and plans to continue his/her education in the field of education . Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. 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. [email protected], 402-444-1068, twitter.com/aliaconleyOWH. All rights reserved. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. What ever happened to Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn band teacher? The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. Perchal said Brian Nelsen has been named Elkhorn Souths band director, while Bluford remains on administrative leave. 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. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. That charge could include endangering the life of a child; depriving them of necessities; placing the child in a situation that could lead to sexual exploitation; or forcing the child to engage in prostitution, indecency, pornography, or another situation allowing for sexual abuse. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. All rights reserved. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. 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. 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 court documents, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. 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. They referred to this a quiet time, judge. The Sheriff's Office says Elkhorn Public Schools have been fully cooperative during the investigation. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. All rights reserved. Mark Hiebner. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. Please subscribe to keep reading. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period Posted By : / how do i access my talk21 email /; Under :eaglestone village lambertville, mieaglestone village lambertville, mi Advertisement Employees Number 417 1 2 3 . Director bands Elkhorn High School, since 2000. Doug Bogatz. Welcome to Shawn Bells teaching platform Bell Tone Brass Studio. A spokeswoman with Elkhorn Public Schools confirmed Wednesday that ESHS summer band activities had resumed under the direction of Brian Nelsen, recently named the high schools new band director. The former Elkhorn South High School band director on Wednesday bonded out of Douglas County Jail, where she had been held on a felony child abuse charge. 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. Douglas County Sheriff's Office (NE) announce the arrest of Elkhorn South High School Band Director Dr. Michelle Bluford, 55, in connection with an inappropriate relationship with a student for three years. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. OMAHA, Neb. . 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. sounds good synonympapa smurf tattoo. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. 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. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. 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. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. 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. Incidents happened both on and off school grounds over the course of a couple of years. You have permission to edit this article. "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. My teaching style is highly tailored to each students individual needs and musical goals. (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. The girl had reported her allegations of abuse to someone this summer, and the allegations then were brought to authorities. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. Investigators accuse her of using predatory grooming behaviors which eventually led to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Bluford. 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. RELATED: Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. 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, [email protected] - (402) 467-4321. 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. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. The girl told authorities that Bluford touched her inner legs, vagina and breasts during these interactions. "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. "I love when the student's lightbulb turns on when they engage," said Sekle. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. OMAHA, Neb. Kjelstrup told the judge Bluford would take the victim to her car for cuddling sessions. 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. She also repeatedly kissed the victims head, face and arms.. 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. 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 Bluford was placed on administrative leave in June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Bluford drove the girl around in her car, where cuddling sessions occurred, Kjelstrup said, and Bluford tried to get the girl to fall asleep. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. She can be released if she posts 10% of that amount, or $7,500. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. 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. 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. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. 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 OMAHA, Neb. The vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, for three years Bluford "initiated and nurtured" an inappropriate relationship with a now former student. "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.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. The Red Line extension will have three new underground stations . 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. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. 1.1K1.1K. In an effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. 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. Kristi Hiles-Smith. OMAHA, Neb. Send an Email. Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. Previously was employed with Elkhorn Schools for about 20 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. OMAHA, Neb. 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. 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 . Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. OMAHA, Neb. 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. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. 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 To reset your password, enter your email address and press Submit. Achievements . Select a building to view staff. South Sioux City Band Director. Elkhorn South Band Director. 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. 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. Fremont Sr. OMAHA, Neb. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Copyright 2021 WOWT. All rights reserved. (AP) A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents.. She then would rock the victim with her face close to her chest as if she were trying to breastfeed, Kjelstrup said. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. 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. 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. 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. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. 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. Band Director. The victim would sit on the defendant's lap and she would rock her, Kjelstrup said. The Sheriff's Office says, after consultation with the Douglas County Attorneys Office, an arrest warrant had earlier been issued for Bluford. (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. 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 defendant would intertwine her legs with the victim and hug the victim tightly, Kjelstrup said.

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