School Shooting Threat Reported at Davey Elementary

A 33-year-old Kent woman is in jail and awaiting trial after allegedly threatening to bring a gun to Davey Elementary School last week.

According to Kent police, Rachel A. Gauntner issued the violent threat on Jan. 31 while airing criticisms to a teacher about the level of education her special needs son was receiving.

The teacher and another eyewitness reported Gauntner even referenced the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, said Kent Police Lt. Jim Prusha. 

However, the teacher waited until the next morning (Feb. 1) to report the threat, saying she wanted to check with the school’s administration on how to proceed.

“I think I understand with her working in the school system that she might want to run it by some co-workers…but, personally, I guess if I was going to give advice to teachers I’d say report (threats) immediately,” said Prusha.

Kent Schools Superintendent Joe Giancola defended the teacher’s actions, and said she handled the threat properly as teachers are given flexibility on identifying and reporting threats, the Record Courier reports.

Gauntner was arrested Friday morning, and allowed police to search her residence.

No guns were found, said Prusha.

Gauntner was charged with aggravated menacing, a fifth-degree felony, and is being held in Portage County Jail. 

Her preliminary hearing is slated for Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. according to the Portage County Clerk of Courts Office.