Ex-band director faces additional charges; accused of inappropriate 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. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of The arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Prosecutors believe she groomed the victim, a student at Elkhorn South, for two to three years. Litchfield Band Director. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. You have permission to edit this article. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. All rights reserved. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. They did this approximately three times a week at the school. The Sheriff's Office says Elkhorn Public Schools have been fully cooperative during the investigation. 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. . 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. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. 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. 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. Michelle A. Bluford, music educator. 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. 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 relationship consisted of predatory grooming behavior which lead to sexual contact. Director bands Elkhorn High School, since 2000. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period LISBON Metro has launched a tender for the construction of a 4km extension of the Red Line from So Sebastio to Alcntara. 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. . 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. "I love when the student's lightbulb turns on when they engage," said Sekle. 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. Kjelstrup told the judge Bluford would take the victim to her car for cuddling sessions. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. Omaha high school band director accused of sex with student Omaha authorities issue felony child abuse warrant for Elkhorn South 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. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. In addition to lessons, Shawn is available for clinics, masterclasses, and other small and large ensemble coaching by appointment. Phone: (308) 446-2244. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. She has resided in the Omaha area for several decades, Knipe said. Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. Shawn is currently accepting students of all ability levels for in person and online trombone, euphonium, tuba, and Jazz improvisation lessons. His laid back demeanor, however, does not diminish his level of focus and attention to detail with fundamentals. 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, Neb. Omaha high school band director accused of sex with student - KLKN-TV His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Send an Email. 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. Share Tweet Advertisement Search 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. Elkhorn South High School average salary is 18 percent higher than USA average and median salary is 29 percent higher than USA median. All rights reserved. Advertisement Employees Number 417 1 2 3 . Phone: 402-444-1068. Photos of the Past Presidents | Better Bands for Nebraska | Nebraska The Red Line extension will have three new underground stations . A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Michelle A. Bluford (born March 24, 1966) - Prabook The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. She has been an educator for 16 years, including 14 at Benson High. 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. I strive not only to teach my students about the technical aspects of playing a brass instrument, but also to challenge them to think critically about the music they perform and listen to. Nebraska honors more than 900 teachers for work with students 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. Kristi Hiles-Smith. Perchal said Brian Nelsen has been named Elkhorn Souths band director, while Bluford remains on administrative leave. Investigators accuse her of using predatory grooming behaviors which eventually led to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Bluford. Alia Conley covers breaking news, crime and courts. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. The vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. 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. 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. (Beth Macdonald/Unsplash) (OMAHA, Neb.) Omaha high school band director accused of sex with student Dr. Michelle Bluford, the band director at Elkhorn South High School, was taken into custody late Monday, following a month-long investigation. 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.