When “Handled Internally” Leaves Students at Risk: The Threat at Carver Middle School

By Kyle Fields

October 14, 2025 — Lake County, Florida

Last Wednesday, October 8, 2025, students at Carver Middle School in Lake County, Florida, were exposed to a serious and alarming threat of violence. Multiple students reported that another student had threatened to “bomb and shoot up the school,” provided names of intended targets, and even indicated their position on a purported list. According to student accounts, the student in question described in detail how they planned to obtain a firearm and made threatening gestures while speaking.

Despite the severity of these allegations, parents report that the school did not notify guardians in a timely manner. One parent, whose child was interviewed at the school, described calling around multiple times before finally speaking to Assistant Principal Niznic at approximately 4:40 PM—over three hours after the first reports were made. Niznic reportedly told the parent that she was “handling it all herself” and cited Lake County Schools policy as the reason for not contacting parents immediately.

While the policy does allow school administrators to manage certain disciplinary matters internally, the gravity of this incident raises serious questions about accountability and transparency. Allowing a student who allegedly made detailed threats to return to school so quickly leaves students and families feeling unsafe and ignored. Legal experts note that even threats that are not executed, especially when given with specific details and intent, can constitute felony offenses under Florida law. Multiple students provided consistent accounts, adding weight to the concern.

Following the initial reports, the State Attorney’s Office reportedly declined to pursue charges because the threat was not documented in writing. This decision, however, does not eliminate the responsibility of the school to take action and communicate with families. Safety in schools is non-negotiable, and parents have a right to know when their children are at risk. By allowing a student back into the classroom with minimal follow-up or explanation, Carver Middle School has sent a troubling message: policies can be used as shields to avoid transparency and accountability, even in the face of potential danger.

Administrators did assure the reporting parent that the student would not return until both law enforcement and the school’s investigation were complete. Yet, the parent later learned—through informal channels—that the student was back in class just two days later. This leaves parents and community members questioning not only the adequacy of the school’s response but also its priorities.

School officials have been contacted for comment, including the Assistant Principal and the principal, as well as the school’s mental health liaison. At the time of this publication, no formal response had been provided. The lack of communication highlights the frustration many parents and concerned citizens feel when trying to understand how safety decisions are made in their schools.

Parents across Lake County and neighboring districts have expressed concerns that this incident reflects a larger pattern of inadequate communication and accountability when it comes to student safety. While policies exist to allow internal handling of some incidents, the combination of detailed threats, multiple student witnesses, and minimal transparency is a scenario that demands more than procedural technicalities—it demands action, clarity, and reassurance for the community.

This situation at Carver Middle School serves as a reminder of the balance schools must strike between following policy and prioritizing the safety of every child. Allowing a student who allegedly threatened classmates to return without clear consequences undermines trust and creates an environment of fear and uncertainty. Parents and students deserve transparency, accountability, and proactive measures to ensure that incidents like this are taken seriously.

School safety is a shared responsibility, and when internal policies are used to limit communication instead of providing reassurance, the community suffers. The public has a right to expect schools to be both safe and transparent. Without that, trust erodes, and students—who should feel protected and supported—are left to navigate unnecessary risk.

This story reflects publicly reported accounts and communications from parents, along with the author’s investigative reporting efforts to contact school officials.