Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great LISBON Metro has launched a tender for the construction of a 4km extension of the Red Line from So Sebastio to Alcntara. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . Alia Conley covers breaking news, crime and courts. All rights reserved. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. Dr. Michelle Bluford, the band director at Elkhorn South High School, was taken into custody late Monday, following a month-long investigation. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. 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. She can be released if she posts 10% of that amount, or $7,500. My teaching style is highly tailored to each students individual needs and musical goals. Doug Bogatz. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, for three years Bluford "initiated and nurtured" an inappropriate relationship with a now former student. Fremont Sr. 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. Elkhorn South band director Michelle Bluford made her first appearance in court Wednesday. (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. 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. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail. (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. Parks said they are conducting an internal review of their policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries and will be providing training for all staff. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. In an effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. 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. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. The defendant would intertwine her legs with the victim and hug the victim tightly, Kjelstrup said. Kjelstrup told the judge Bluford would take the victim to her car for cuddling sessions. 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. She then would rock the victim with her face close to her chest as if she were trying to breastfeed, Kjelstrup 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 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 alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. 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 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. Ryan Placek, Millard North High School. Select a building to view staff. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. The sheriff's office said it first learned of the alleged abuse in June and launched an investigation. 1.1K1.1K. 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. 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. Follow her on Twitter @aliaconleyOWH. (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. Kristi Hiles-Smith. Kjelstrup said things escalated from there. One board member, Nancy Rogic-Greufe, was absent during the vote. . His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Her bands and students have performed at the regional, state and national levels. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. OMAHA, Neb. Dr. Scott Cowan Professor, Jazz studies Western Michigan University. Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. OMAHA, Neb. Zadzwo do nas: 600-88-46-13 | email:would a diamond pickaxe work in real life His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Position switches part of 'magic' for Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, Shatel: Sam Griesel is 'living the dream' at Nebraska - all thanks to the transfer portal, Live updates: Nebraska high school girls basketball state tournament semifinals, Elkhorn South band teachers on administrative leave; one person under investigation, Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse, Former Elkhorn South band director faces more charges, is accused of grooming student, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza, Greece train crash: Public anger grows as death toll rises. Send an Email. 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. Her bands, orchestras, and jazz bands have consistently earned Superior Plus and Superior ratings at District Music Contest, state and regional competitions, the website states. . The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. 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 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.. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. They referred to this a quiet time, judge. Copyright 2021 WOWT. OMAHA, Neb. Mark Hiebner. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. At that time, the school district and DCSO said they could not share further details until the investigation had concluded. OMAHA, Neb. Please subscribe to keep reading. Deputies have have spoken to the victim and the victims family regarding this matter. Copyright 2021 WOWT. South Sioux City Band Director. OMAHA, Neb. "I try to learn about my students and find stories that relate to them." Sekle was nominated by Dean Hohn, a chemical engineering major. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. Copyright 2021 WOWT. According to court documents, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. 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. Bluford also required the girl to hug her at the beginning and end of each school day, the prosecutor said. 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. Sheriffs office investigating death of Hall county woman, False reports of school shootings all over Nebraska and the country, University of Nebraska Kearney students make valuable connections at Career and Internship Fair, UNK history professor uncovers Willa Cathers connections to campus, Kearney community, Next University of Nebraska Kearney Science Caf focuses on clinical trials in rural Nebraska, publicfile@ksnblocal4.com - (402) 467-4321. Once, Kjelstrup said, the girl went to Blufords apartment, where the girl saw numerous photos of herself, including one large photo. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. The girl had reported her allegations of abuse to someone this summer, and the allegations then were brought to authorities. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. He brings a vast knowledge of brass pedagogy that helped to take our students to the next level. (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. 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 . According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. You can cancel at any time. 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. Shawn has a keen sense and ability for being able to identify what will help students feel successful in jazz improvisation immediately. She has won numerous awards, including OPS Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School's band director, is charged with one count of intentional child abuse and ordered held on $75,000 bail. All rights reserved. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Documents now indicate that Bluford also faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child. OMAHA, Neb. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three . Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. "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. OMAHA, Neb. RELATED: Elkhorn South teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. "I love when the student's lightbulb turns on when they engage," said Sekle. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. The girl told authorities that Bluford touched her inner legs, vagina and breasts during these interactions. Michelle A. Bluford, music educator. 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. 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 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. Band Director. Is her trial still in process? 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.. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period 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. Bluford worked for the Elkhorn school district for 21 of her 33 years as a teacher. Elkhorn South Band Director. As a guest conductor for our WMU Jazz Orchestra he directed with focus and precision. The arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. alia.conley@owh.com, 402-444-1068, twitter.com/aliaconleyOWH. They did this approximately three times a week at the school. 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. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. Litchfield Band Director. "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. Kjelstrup added that Bluford would kiss the girls head, face and arms. OMAHA, Neb. 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. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. (WOWT) - The former Elkhorn South High School band director on Wednesday bonded out of Douglas County Jail, where she had been held on a felony child abuse charge. Bluford, 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. OMAHA, Neb. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. At one point, Kjelstrup said, Bluford made the girl sign up for an app that would allow Bluford to track the girls location. 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. She has been an educator for 16 years, including 14 at Benson High. Bluford was booked Monday into the Douglas County Jail after a warrant was issued for her arrest late last week. Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse. The Sheriff's Office says Elkhorn Public Schools have been fully cooperative during the investigation. "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.". 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. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. Phone: 402-444-1068. (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. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. READ MORE: Elkhorn South band director arrested on 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. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. (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. You will receive an email with additional instructions. 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. sounds good synonympapa smurf tattoo. 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. All rights reserved. Oakland-Craig Band Director. 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. In addition to lessons, Shawn is available for clinics, masterclasses, and other small and large ensemble coaching by appointment. There was a problem saving your notification. 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 board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. Send an Email. All rights reserved. The victim would sit on the defendant's lap and she would rock her, Kjelstrup said. But it provides a general description of Class 3A felony abuse. 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. (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. She would then rock the victims face close to her chest as though they were trying to breastfeed. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. 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. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox. She was booked around 7 p.m. on Monday. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. Phone: (308) 446-2244. 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. 5 6 7 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 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. Officials say Bluford was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday on the warrant charging her with felony child abuse. The vote was 5-0 with one absent. 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. 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. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. OMAHA, Neb. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 22 9 comments Best Add a Comment Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. 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. 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. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.