SWAMPSCOTT (WBZ-AM) -- A Swampscott elementary school principal in the news recently after announcing they were transitioning from male to female is on administrative leave this week.
In addition, the Stanley Elementary School has seen a low-key police presence Monday and Tuesday.
With all the attention the school has been getting since Principal Shannon Daniels came out as transgender--and general anxiety surrounding schools these days--school and police officials opting for what they called in a letter to parents "an abundance of caution."
It hasn't been made clear exactly how Daniels' leave of absence is connected, or when they'll be back.
One father dropping his child off at the school told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kendall Buhl said he understands Daniels is taking time off for security reasons.
"What we heard was that there were some threats possibly, that perhaps safety was a concern and that may have been the reason," he said. "I don't believe they clearly stated that, but that was implied."
A letter from School Superintendent Pamela Angelakis informed parents about plans for the police presence at the school.
A single officer, as well as Angelakis, were outside the school Tuesday morning, but Angelakis would not comment.
As for Daniels' gender identity change, one father told Buhl he sees a teaching opportunity.
"It was a bit of a concern, but I'm okay with the decision," he said. "I mean, we're trying to teach our kids to accept people for who they are, and I just want to make sure I set a good example for my kids."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kendall Buhl reports