The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. Elkhorn South band director facing felony child abuse charge - KOLN The Sheriff's Office says, after consultation with the Douglas County Attorneys Office, an arrest warrant had earlier been issued for Bluford. (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. I believe this fosters a level of engagement that serves students as both young musicians and life-long patrons of the arts. Copyright 2021 WOWT. NFHS Music Educator Award A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Achievements . 5 6 7 Omaha Scanner - Douglas County Sheriff's Office (NE) | Facebook A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great 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. Select a building to view staff. 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 High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. Omaha high school band director accused of sex with student - KLKN-TV Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. 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. Phone: 402-444-1068. 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 - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. 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 Director bands Elkhorn High School, since 2000. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. 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. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. Omaha high school band director accused of sex with student 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. (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. In an effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. She has won numerous awards, including OPS Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. All rights reserved. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. Best search engine for True crime stories | Mugshots.com 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. 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. (Beth Macdonald/Unsplash) (OMAHA, Neb.) Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. 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. LISBON Metro has launched a tender for the construction of a 4km extension of the Red Line from So Sebastio to Alcntara. 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. 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. Elkhorn South band director Michelle Bluford made her first appearance in court Wednesday. 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. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. 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 . Sheriff: High school band director accused of sex with student Bluford was placed on administrative leave in June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship. Dr. Scott Cowan Professor, Jazz studies Western Michigan University. The girl told authorities that Bluford touched her inner legs, vagina and breasts during these interactions. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. 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. Former Elkhorn South band director faces more charges, is accused of The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. Perchal said Brian Nelsen has been named Elkhorn Souths band director, while Bluford remains on administrative leave. Dr. Harriet Bluford Memorial Scholarship: Delanie Ferzely: Dr. Michelle Bluford Music Scholarship: Elizabeth Watzke: Echelon Homes Construction & Engineering Scholarship: Miguel Redlin: The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. (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. Arrest made in high school sex investigation 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. LeadManager - Login OMAHA, Neb. 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 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford, the band director at Elkhorn South High School, was taken into custody late Monday, following a month-long investigation. All rights reserved. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. 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 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.". OMAHA, Neb. A Douglas County judge has signed an arrest warrant for Michelle Bluford, a music teacher with the Elkhorn Public School District. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. OMAHA, Neb. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Elkhorn South Band Director. As a guest conductor for our WMU Jazz Orchestra he directed with focus and precision. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. 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. Investigators accuse her of using predatory grooming behaviors which eventually led to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Bluford. Fox 42 KPTM - After an investigation by the Sherriff's | Facebook 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. Omaha authorities issue felony child abuse warrant for Elkhorn South Send an Email. Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. Is her trial still in process? Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. Mark Hiebner. 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. 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. 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. 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. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. The girl had reported her allegations of abuse to someone this summer, and the allegations then were brought to authorities. She can be released if she posts 10% of that amount, or $7,500. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. 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. 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. Previously was employed with Elkhorn Schools for about 20 years.. 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. PDF Lincoln East High School Orchestra Director Receives Nebraska's 2020-21 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 But it provides a general description of Class 3A felony abuse. You have permission to edit this article. Superintendent Bary Habrock presented the request for Bluford's contract to be terminated. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Douglas County sheriffs deputies still are investigating the matter and looking into Blufords background. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. 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. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. At one point, Kjelstrup said, Bluford made the girl sign up for an app that would allow Bluford to track the girls location. In addition to lessons, Shawn is available for clinics, masterclasses, and other small and large ensemble coaching by appointment. OMAHA, Neb. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: thepmconsulting.com, +351211164216, +351916123136, +34633392927, +351910020585 PM Consulting Energy | PM Consulting Energy | consultoria e comercializao energia Copyright 2021 WOWT. OMAHA, Neb. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. 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. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools Share Tweet Advertisement Search Lisbon Metro tenders 405m Red Line extension 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. "I try to learn about my students and find stories that relate to them." Sekle was nominated by Dean Hohn, a chemical engineering major. "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. alia.conley@owh.com, 402-444-1068, twitter.com/aliaconleyOWH. Oakland-Craig Band Director. 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. Elkhorn South High School Salary - Nebraska | Page 2 She was ordered held on $75,000 bail.. thepmconsulting.com Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Kjelstrup added that Bluford would kiss the girls head, face and arms. Kjelstrup told the judge Bluford would take the victim to her car for cuddling sessions. 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. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. One board member, Nancy Rogic-Greufe, was absent during the vote. He brings a vast knowledge of brass pedagogy that helped to take our students to the next level. Send an Email. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. 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. Elkhorn South band director charged with child abuse in case involving READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. (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. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. 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. 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. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. 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. Elkhorn South Band Director Is Arrested On Felony Child Abuse Charge Derick Lee Bluford Obituary (1962 - 2021) | Omaha, Nebraska - Echovita Kristi Hiles-Smith. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. 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. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. OMAHA, Neb. Anti-Hate Policy, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Band Director Charged DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. Michelle A. Bluford, music educator. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. 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. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. Zadzwo do nas: 600-88-46-13 | email:would a diamond pickaxe work in real life Teacher accused of child abuse makes first court appearance - KMTV 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. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. 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. 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. Phone: (308) 446-2244. (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. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. Ryan Placek, Millard North High School. sounds good synonym Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. Please subscribe to keep reading. KMTV 3 News Now - A Douglas County judge has signed an | Facebook Dr. Michelle Bluford, and her students here at Elkhorn South High School! OMAHA, Neb. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . 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 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. Father, son charged with animal cruelty after hundreds of dead and dying cattle found on Lincoln County property. PDF Full Program smaller file 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. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period The arrest warrant doesn't say - Omaha World-Herald | Facebook Once, Kjelstrup said, the girl went to Blufords apartment, where the girl saw numerous photos of herself, including one large photo. OMAHA, Neb. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. 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.