Joan Waldman, the longtime principal of Floyd B. Watson Elementary School in Rockville Centre, was suddenly relieved of her duties this week.

In a letter to families of the school, Superintendent Dr. William Johnson said that Waldman will be on a leave of absence from her regular duties. Dr. Janine Sampino, the district's curriculum coodinator, will be filling in for her for now.

"I have every confidence that Dr. Sampino along with the outstanding staff at Watson School will continue to provide our children with the high-quality educational experience you have come to expect," Johnson wrote.