Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Douglas County sheriffs deputies still are investigating the matter and looking into Blufords background. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. They referred to this a quiet time, judge. To reset your password, enter your email address and press Submit. In an effort to prevent future instances of similar occurrences, EPS is reviewing our policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries, Perchal wrote. 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. Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. 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. 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. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. Dr. Michelle Bluford. 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.. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. 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. The board voted to approve the resignation also without any questions or comments. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. Zadzwo do nas: 600-88-46-13 | email:would a diamond pickaxe work in real life She previous also taught in the Ponca Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools . His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. (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. He brings a vast knowledge of brass pedagogy that helped to take our students to the next level. Share Tweet Advertisement Search 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. 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford, and her students here at Elkhorn South High School! 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. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. 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. Superintendent Bary Habrock presented the request for Bluford's contract to be terminated. 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. 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 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 teacher accused of felony child abuse makes first court appearance. As a guest conductor for our WMU Jazz Orchestra he directed with focus and precision. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. 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. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. 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. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. 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. KMTV has reached out to Habrock for more information regarding this resignation but has yet to hear back. Send an Email. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail.. 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. 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School. 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. OMAHA, Neb. The vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. The board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. Elkhorn South High SchoolSalaries Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three . 22 9 comments Best Add a Comment Doug Bogatz. Elkhorn South band director Michelle Bluford made her first appearance in court Wednesday. (KMTV) Michelle Bluford, the Elkhorn South High School band teacher who is accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. OMAHA, Neb. "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. {{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? A Douglas County judge has signed an arrest warrant for Michelle Bluford, a music teacher with the Elkhorn Public School District. 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. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. Copyright 2021 WOWT. The alleged victim graduated in 2019, documents state. Bluford also required the girl to hug her at the beginning and end of each school day, the prosecutor said. Litchfield Band Director. All rights reserved. The girl told authorities that Bluford touched her inner legs, vagina and breasts during these interactions. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. 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. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. Select a building to view staff. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. Dr. Michelle Bluford, the band director at Elkhorn South High School, was taken into custody late Monday, following a month-long investigation. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, for three years Bluford "initiated and nurtured" an inappropriate relationship with a now former student. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. According to court documents, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. 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. 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.