Franklin High student who reported classmate threat says classmate returned to school; parent urges district and police action

A Franklin High parent told the Livonia Public Schools Board of Education on April 21 that a classmate who allegedly made a “kill list” and was investigated after a March 13 report has returned to school, and that her daughter remains fearful.

Jennifer Starks said she received a call from Franklin High on March 13 informing her that staff had been alerted after a student disclosed a classmate had made a list to shoot students. Starks said her daughter, Peyton Harris, a ninth grader, reported the threat to school staff and that the district and the Livonia Police Department began an investigation.

"She came to us," Starks said, recounting a call from a school staff member praising her daughter’s decision to report the threat. Starks said school staff told her the student would be suspended and the matter investigated. She said she later spoke with Livonia police officers, including Officer Algazi and Detective Holland, who told her the student had been suspended and that police were pursuing an investigation.

Starks said police attempted to follow up at the student’s home but were not permitted to enter without a search warrant; she said the department was awaiting action from a judge. She told the board she was later informed the student had returned to school on April 7.

"This was very concerning to me as Peyton was very fearful and had high anxiety that day," Starks said. "She missed a couple of days after he came back, which she missed work because she has to sit in a classroom with someone she told on. And it's unfair to her."

Peyton Harris told the board she had reported the classmate because she wanted to keep classmates safe. "I was brave enough to go tell so that nothing bad will happen," she said. She added, "What about how I feel? What about my safety?"

Starks said she met with school principal (identified in the transcript as) Mr. Pacey and was told the decision about the student’s return was a district decision. She said she also spoke again with police, who told her the student had prior incidents and that police were awaiting judicial approval to pursue a search warrant.

Board members did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting. The parent requested further information and indicated she would continue follow-up with district administrators and the Livonia Police Department.

The board president reminded the public that audience communications is an opportunity for the board to listen; Starks was the only public commenter that evening.

Community members concerned about safety at Franklin High who seek district follow-up were advised to make a formal request for response on the blue slip used for audience communications or to contact district administration directly.