The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. The vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. Elkhorn South band director charged with child abuse in case involving former student. A Douglas County judge has signed an arrest warrant for Michelle Bluford, a music teacher with the Elkhorn Public School District. Investigators accuse her of using predatory grooming behaviors which eventually led to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Bluford. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Kristi Hiles-Smith. All rights reserved. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. (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. The sheriff's office said it first learned of the alleged abuse in June and launched an investigation. Advertisement Employees Number 417 1 2 3 . Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. 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. Bluford drove the girl around in her car, where cuddling sessions occurred, Kjelstrup said, and Bluford tried to get the girl to fall asleep. . Details revealed in court Wednesday alleged Dr. Michelle Bluford manipulated the student,. 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. OMAHA, Neb. 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail.. sounds good synonympapa smurf tattoo. OMAHA, Neb. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . She then would rock the victim with her face close to her chest as if she were trying to breastfeed, Kjelstrup said. 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. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. OMAHA, Neb. Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. Send an Email. The victim would sit on the defendant's lap and she would rock her, Kjelstrup said. "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.". Follow her on Twitter @aliaconleyOWH. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Douglas County sheriffs deputies still are investigating the matter and looking into Blufords background. 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. 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. 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. 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. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period Documents now indicate that Bluford also faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. She has won numerous awards, including OPS Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. Shawn has a keen sense and ability for being able to identify what will help students feel successful in jazz improvisation immediately. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. 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. Is her trial still in process? 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She previous also taught in the Ponca Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools . Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. 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 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. 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. 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 Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. 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. Previously was employed with Elkhorn Schools for about 20 years.. Litchfield Band Director. You will receive an email with additional instructions. South Sioux City Band Director. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says an arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, director of the Elkhorn South High School band who has been employed by the district for two decades. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 5 6 7 Five of the board members voted to terminate the contract without question or comment. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. 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 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. Shawn is currently accepting students of all ability levels for in person and online trombone, euphonium, tuba, and Jazz improvisation lessons. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. alia.conley@owh.com, 402-444-1068, twitter.com/aliaconleyOWH. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. All rights reserved. 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. (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. 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. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. 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. Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. Dr. Harriet Bluford Memorial Scholarship: Delanie Ferzely: Dr. Michelle Bluford Music Scholarship: Elizabeth Watzke: Echelon Homes Construction & Engineering Scholarship: Miguel Redlin: The judge set Blufords bond at $75,000. The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. I don't know why it just popped into my head to ask now, but just curious if anyone knows the outcome. 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 . 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. All rights reserved. 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. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. OMAHA, Neb. 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 was ordered held on $75,000 bail. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. . 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. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents.. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. She can be released if she posts 10% of that amount, or $7,500. Phone: (308) 446-2244. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. 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. 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. Doug Bogatz. I believe this fosters a level of engagement that serves students as both young musicians and life-long patrons of the arts. The arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Fremont Sr. Parks said they are conducting an internal review of their policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries and will be providing training for all staff. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. EPS Administration Building Staff District Staff Building Facilities Personnel Student Services Maintenance Teacher Training Conference Center Staff They did this approximately three times a week at the school. Send an Email. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. All rights reserved. Elkhorn South Band Director. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. Copyright 2021 WOWT. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. 1.1K1.1K. (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. The Sheriff's Office says Elkhorn Public Schools have been fully cooperative during the investigation. OMAHA, Neb. 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. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. Copyright 2021 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. Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. Share Tweet Advertisement Search 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 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. Welcome to Shawn Bells teaching platform Bell Tone Brass Studio. Bluford was booked Monday into the Douglas County Jail after a warrant was issued for her arrest late last week. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. OMAHA, Neb. Send an Email. The complaint filed by Deputy County Attorney Molly Keane on Thursday alleges a minor child was put into an exploitive situation in the span of two years, from June 26, 2017-2019. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. In an effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. OMAHA, Neb. 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 board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. 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. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. (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. (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. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.