With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Derick Lee Bluford (Omaha, Nebraska), born in Sioux City, Iowa, who passed away on December 9, 2021 at the age of 58. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. (AP) - A west Omaha high school band director has been arrested, accused of abusing a former stude. Welcome to Shawn Bells teaching platform Bell Tone Brass Studio. 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. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. (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. DSCO says the time frame was about three years but court documents say two. According to the release, Michelle Bluford initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship with a former student over a period of approximately three years.. EPS Administration Building Staff District Staff Building Facilities Personnel Student Services Maintenance Teacher Training Conference Center Staff Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. Dr. Scott Cowan Professor, Jazz studies Western Michigan University. . They did this approximately three times a week at the 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 rescheduled. Elkhorn South band director charged with child abuse in case involving former student. All rights reserved. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, for three years Bluford "initiated and nurtured" an inappropriate relationship with a now former student. At one point, Kjelstrup said, Bluford made the girl sign up for an app that would allow Bluford to track the girls location. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge. They referred to this a quiet time, judge. Facebook But it provides a general description of Class 3A felony abuse. 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford, and her students here at Elkhorn South High School! My teaching style is highly tailored to each students individual needs and musical goals. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. 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. 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. A preliminary hearing for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, is scheduled for Aug. 27. The defendant would intertwine her legs with the victim and hug the victim tightly, Kjelstrup said. Bluford was placed on administrative leave in June as the Douglas County Sheriffs Office investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship. 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. (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 board ended the meeting with a statement, delivered by Board President Amy Parks. Kristi Hiles-Smith. . The vote was 5-0 with one absent. Litchfield Band Director. OMAHA, Neb. Bluford worked for the Elkhorn school district for 21 of her 33 years as a teacher. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. 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. Serving as Music Director of this group is truly a great Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. OMAHA, Neb. Superintendent Bary Habrock presented the request for Bluford's contract to be terminated. Kjelstrup said things escalated from there. Bryan Bohn. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information. You will receive an email with additional instructions. OMAHA, Neb. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. Achievements . 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 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 relationship consisted of predatory grooming behavior which lead to sexual contact. District Staff | Elkhorn Public Schools District Staff Below are the campus buildings that house District Staff with the departments listed under each building. The board also approved the resignation of another band director from Elkhorn South, Lindsey Bogatz. 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. 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. Ryan Placek, Millard North High School. 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. Elkhorn South band director booked into jail on suspicion of child abuse. 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. The judge set Blufords bond at $75,000. The warrant lists a charge of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony. 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. OMAHA, Neb. Some may find the descriptions in this story disturbing. 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. Once, Kjelstrup said, the girl went to Blufords apartment, where the girl saw numerous photos of herself, including one large photo. Bluford also required the girl to hug her at the beginning and end of each school day, the prosecutor said. Fremont Sr. Investigators believe Bluford groomed a student at Elkhorn South starting in 2017, which led to sexual contact with the student. Mark Hiebner. 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. Prosecutor Faith Kjelstrup on Wednesday detailed what she said Bluford did to the former student behavior she said occurred between June 2017 and June 2019, when the teen graduated. 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. 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 arrest warrant doesn't say exactly what Michelle Bluford, 55, is alleged to have done. Kjelstrup added that Bluford would kiss the girls head, face and arms. Copyright 2021 WOWT. sounds good synonympapa smurf tattoo. 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. Number of employees at Elkhorn South High School in year 2020 was 96. (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. 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. According to court documents, 55-year-old Michelle Bluford was originally charged with child abuse. (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. Douglas County Court issued a warrant for Michelle A. Bluford, 55, on Friday, according to court documents. She is also ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. The Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation recognized our Elkhorn South High School scholarship winners at our Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on April 28th, 2021. . According to court documents, during the students junior year, Bluford allegedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. She was ordered held on $75,000 bail.. 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. (Beth Macdonald/Unsplash) (OMAHA, Neb.) Select a building to view staff. (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. The victim would sit on the defendant's lap and she would rock her, Kjelstrup said. (WOWT) - An Elkhorn South High School band director is facing a felony child abuse charge stemming from a complaint spanning two years. Matthew Knipe, Blufords attorney said she has long-standing ties to the community. 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. 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. OMAHA, Neb. Michelle A. Bluford, music educator. 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 Band Director. Send an Email. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three . Dr. Michelle Bluford. Officials at Elkhorn South suspended all summer band activities last month after the investigation was reported. He brings fresh ways of delivering concepts and meets students where they are. Share Tweet Advertisement Search Average annual salary was $55,450 and median salary was $55,972. The vote came down at a special meeting on Monday afternoon. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office had issued a warrant for her arrest Friday, according to court documents. She is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. 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. Dr. Michelle Bluford, the band director at Elkhorn South High School, was taken into custody late Monday, following a month-long investigation. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 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. 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.. According to an ESHS band website, Bluford has been a teacher for 33 years 21 of them in the Elkhorn school district. In addition to lessons, Shawn is available for clinics, masterclasses, and other small and large ensemble coaching by appointment. 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. Posted By : / how do i access my talk21 email /; Under :eaglestone village lambertville, mieaglestone village lambertville, mi 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. Shawn is currently accepting students of all ability levels for in person and online trombone, euphonium, tuba, and Jazz improvisation lessons. To reset your password, enter your email address and press Submit. She previous also taught in the Ponca Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools . Bluford is accused of sexually abusing a student who has since graduated. 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. OMAHA, Neb. The sheriff's office said it first learned of the alleged abuse in June and launched an investigation. (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. (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. There was a problem saving your notification. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. . Elkhorn South band director's contract terminated, another teacher resigns. 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. (KMTV) - The Elkhorn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to cancel the contract of Elkhorn South band director Dr. Michelle Bluford. Michelle Bluford, 55, accused of inappropriate contact and sexually abuse of a former student over a three-year period 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. Advertisement Employees Number 417 1 2 3 . Copyright 2021 WOWT. 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. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. 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. An arrest warrant was issued Monday for 55-year-old Michelle Bluford, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Bluford is accused of intentional child abuse with no injury, a Class 3A felony, for a possible inappropriate relationship with a student. Deputies have have spoken to the victim and the victims family regarding this matter. - 2 - Friends, Thank you so much for joining us for today's concert. Parks said they are conducting an internal review of their policies and protocols surrounding professional boundaries and will be providing training for all staff. Former Elkhorn South band director accused of child abuse bonds out of jail. She then would rock the victim with her face close to her chest as if she were trying to breastfeed, Kjelstrup said. KMTV has reached out to Habrock for more information regarding this resignation but has yet to hear back. 22 9 comments Best Add a Comment All rights reserved. Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School band teacher who's accused of felony child abuse, made her first court appearance Wednesday morning. All rights reserved. OMAHA, Neb. 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. His affability puts students at ease allowing them to progress and work through insecurities. Copyright 2021 WOWT. 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. Michelle Bluford is alleged to have initiated and nurtured a relationship with a former student over a period of three years, eventually leading to. 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. All rights reserved. 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 She also repeatedly kissed the victims head, face and arms.. Send an Email. Please subscribe to keep reading. 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.
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