Twenty-four people have applied to become prinsipal of Wareham Middle School, Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood told the School Committee Wednesday evening.

With the application period now ended, “If you are on the committee, you may begin reviewing applications,” she said.

Wareham Middle School Principal Ellen Bankston, who was hired last May, went on a leave of absence in October. The leave of absence will last until the end of the school year, according to Shaver-Hood. The reason for the leave or whether it was Bankston's decision have not been made public.

The superintendent said she would like to have a new principal selected by the third week in March.