Wareham Middle School Principal Ellen Bankston, who was hired in May to replace retiring principal Howard Gilmore, is on a leave of absence.

It is unclear whether the leave was Bankston's decision. Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood confirmed the news on Friday, but said she could not comment further on the situation, as it is a personnel issue.

"Our very capable teachers and support staff have provided and will continue to provide a quality, safe, and nurturing educational environment for all of our students," Shaver-Hood wrote in an October 25 letter to middle school parents. "Delivering our students with a rigorous, outstanding educational experience in a safe and secure environment remains our top priority."

Shaver-Hood told parents that the district is "very fortunate to have a veteran leadership team in place" at the middle school.

"The quality and stability of the middle school administration is my highest priority at this time," Shaver-Hood continued. "I appreciate your support and will share additional information in the near future."

Bankston appeared before the School Committee on October 16 and spoke about her goals in regard to raising MCAS scores. She was questioned at length by member Geoff Swett, who said he thought her goals were higher than reasonable. Swett declined to comment on the situation on Friday.

Wareham Middle School dropped to what the state calls a "level 3" school, or among the lowest performing 20% of schools, in 2011.

Bankston, who has worked in education for 27 years, was a hiring committee's choice for the principal's post. She has worked as a special education teacher, a classroom teacher, director of curriculum, and as an assistant principal.

Bankston spent most of her career working on Cape Cod at the elementary and middle school levels. She also taught briefly in New Orleans.