As parents, families, and community members of Franklin County, Georgia, we are asking the Franklin County School System and Board of Education to review and strengthen safety procedures involving threats of weapons on school buses.

On September 23, 2026, parents contacted 911 after children riding a Franklin County school bus sent messages reporting that a student was allegedly telling other students that he had a gun.

Law enforcement responded, secured the bus, interviewed those involved, and searched the bus and students’ belongings. A weapon-detection K-9 was also used. No weapon was found.

However, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office later reported that this was the second reported incident involving the same student allegedly claiming to have a firearm.

We understand that allegations must be investigated fairly and that students have rights. This petition is not about attacking, embarrassing, or publicly identifying any individual student. It is about making sure there are clear safety procedures when serious threats are reported more than once.

Children who believed there could be a weapon on their bus experienced a frightening situation. Parents should also feel confident that when repeated threats occur, there is a clear plan for protecting everyone involved.

What We Are Asking For

We respectfully ask the Franklin County Board of Education and Franklin County School System to:

Review the district’s procedures for repeated threats involving weapons or claims of weapons on school transportation.
Develop or clearly communicate a safety plan explaining what happens when the same individual is involved in repeated reports of serious threats.
Provide safe alternative transportation or other appropriate safety options for children and families directly affected while serious or repeated incidents are being investigated.
Ensure parents receive timely communication about serious school-bus safety incidents while protecting students’ privacy.
Strengthen coordination among the school system, transportation department, school administrators, and law enforcement when repeated threats occur.
Provide appropriate support for students who experience fear, anxiety, or distress following a serious safety incident.
We appreciate the quick response of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County 911, the school system, and transportation personnel on September 23.

Now we are asking our school leaders to take the next step.

A weapon does not have to be found for a repeated threat to deserve serious attention.

Our goal is simple: Every child deserves to feel safe getting on a school bus and going to school.

Please sign this petition if you support stronger, clear, and consistent safety procedures for repeated threats on Franklin County school transportation.

Our children’s safety must remain the priority.