Five of the board members voted to terminate the contract without question or comment. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. Send an Email. But it provides a general description of Class 3A felony abuse. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. Elkhorn South band director Michelle Bluford made her first appearance in court Wednesday. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. 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. Bluford also required the girl to hug her at the beginning and end of each school day, the prosecutor said. (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 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. You can cancel at any time. They referred to this a quiet time, judge. 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 A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. OMAHA, Neb. Fremont Sr. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. 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. (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. 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. . Copyright 2021 WOWT. Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. 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. Bryan Bohn. (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 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. Father, son charged with animal cruelty after hundreds of dead and dying cattle found on Lincoln County property. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. A spokeswoman with Elkhorn Public Schools confirmed Wednesday that ESHS summer band activities had resumed under the direction of Brian Nelsen, recently named the high schools new band director. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. 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 Copyright 2021 WOWT. Last I heard she was supposed to appear in court again last august but no update since then. According to court documents, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. Band Director. Copyright 2021 WOWT. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. All rights reserved. Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. My teaching style is highly tailored to each students individual needs and musical goals. She has won numerous awards, including OPS Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. 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. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. Parks said they are conducting an internal review of their policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries and will be providing training for all staff. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. (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. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. All rights reserved. (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. OMAHA, Neb. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. 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. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. 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. 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. sounds good synonympapa smurf tattoo. 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. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. 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. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. 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. 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. At one point, Kjelstrup said, Bluford made the girl sign up for an app that would allow Bluford to track the girls location. She also repeatedly kissed the victims head, face and arms.. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. 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 Red Line extension will have three new underground stations . (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 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. LISBON Metro has launched a tender for the construction of a 4km extension of the Red Line from So Sebastio to Alcntara. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. Previously was employed with Elkhorn Schools for about 20 years.. 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 the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. One board member, Nancy Rogic-Greufe, was absent during the vote. 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. Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse. Elkhorn South band director facing felony child abuse charge, Sheriffs office investigating death of Hall county woman, False reports of school shootings all over Nebraska and the country, University of Nebraska Kearney students make valuable connections at Career and Internship Fair, UNK history professor uncovers Willa Cathers connections to campus, Kearney community, Next University of Nebraska Kearney Science Caf focuses on clinical trials in rural Nebraska, Elkhorn South band teachers were placed on administrative leave, publicfile@ksnblocal4.com - (402) 467-4321. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. Doug Bogatz. Documents now indicate that Bluford also faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child. Michelle A. Bluford, music educator. (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 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. OMAHA, Neb. READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. During an initial court appearance on Wednesday, a judge set bond was set at 10% of $75,000 for 55 year old Michelle A. Bluford. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. OMAHA, Neb. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. (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. She has been an educator for 16 years, including 14 at Benson High. 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. Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. Her bands and students have performed at the regional, state and national levels. Is her trial still in process? Bluford drove the girl around in her car, where cuddling sessions occurred, Kjelstrup said, and Bluford tried to get the girl to fall asleep. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. Details revealed in court Wednesday alleged Dr. Michelle Bluford manipulated the student,. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Share Tweet Advertisement Search Send an Email. 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. Elkhorn South band director charged with child abuse in case involving former student. 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. RELATED: Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. 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. "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. Bluford was booked Monday into the Douglas County Jail after a warrant was issued for her arrest late last week. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. 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 teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. Achievements . 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.. 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. 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. "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.". Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. (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. 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. Kjelstrup said things escalated from there. 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. I don't know why it just popped into my head to ask now, but just curious if anyone knows the outcome. (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. 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 came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. 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 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. Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. Perchal said Brian Nelsen has been named Elkhorn Souths band director, while Bluford remains on administrative leave. 1.1K1.1K. 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 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. Dr. Scott Cowan Professor, Jazz studies Western Michigan University. Incidents happened both on and off school grounds over the course of a couple of years. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. 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 the release, Michelle Bluford 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. OMAHA, Neb. He brings a vast knowledge of brass pedagogy that helped to take our students to the next level. Advertisement Employees Number 417 1 2 3 . 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. She would then rock the victims face close to her chest as though they were trying to breastfeed. (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. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. 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. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. What ever happened to Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn band teacher? As a guest conductor for our WMU Jazz Orchestra he directed with focus and precision. 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. Litchfield Band Director. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. 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 was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. 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. "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. Zadzwo do nas: 600-88-46-13 | email:would a diamond pickaxe work in real life Dr. Michelle Bluford, and her students here at Elkhorn South High School! The girl had reported her allegations of abuse to someone this summer, and the allegations then were brought to authorities. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. She previous also taught in the Ponca Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools . All rights reserved. Shawn has a keen sense and ability for being able to identify what will help students feel successful in jazz improvisation immediately. The defendant would intertwine her legs with the victim and hug the victim tightly, Kjelstrup 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. 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. The arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. The girl told authorities that Bluford touched her inner legs, vagina and breasts during these interactions. OMAHA, Neb. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Douglas County sheriffs deputies still are investigating the matter and looking into Blufords background. All rights reserved. OMAHA, Neb. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. Facebook The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. 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. 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 {{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? 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. (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.