The Masconomet Regional School District was stunned on Thursday when Laurie Hodgdon, principal of the high school, resigned after allegations of plagiarism came to light.

“Today is her last day at work,’’ Superintendent Kevin Lyons wrote in an e-mail sent to the school community late Thursday night.

In the e-mail, Lyons said assistant principal Peter Delani will immediately take the role of acting principal. Delani has been at Masconomet since 1992 and previously served as interim athletic director.

Lyons declined to comment further regarding the nature of the plagiarism charges. Attempts to reach Hodgdon were unsuccessful.

Lyons included a statement from Hodgdon with his announcement.

“I need to apologize to the Masconomet community for the choices I made in not citing writing that was not my own,’’ it said. “As a leader, ownership and accountability is necessary in this instance. Thus, I resign as principal of Masconomet Regional High School effective Thursday, March 23, 2017.’’

Sandy Hill Lieto of Boxford, mother of two Masconomet Regional High School students, expressed the surprise of many parents over Hodgdon’s departure. “It is disheartening to hear this and very unexpected,’’ she said.

“I do not know the source of the plagiarism allegation, and I cannot comment on personnel issues,’’ said Daniel Volchok of Boxford, chairman of the Masconomet School Committee.

Hodgdon has led the high school, which serves 1,188 students from Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield, since 2013.

Some of Hodgdon’s decisions during her tenure, such as phasing out the senior prom, had drawn criticism from parents and students. In early 2016, irate parents and students upset about the decision packed a School Committee meeting and openly criticized Hodgdon.

The School Committee also received allegations that students who were vocal about the prom cancellation were unfairly disciplined. But an independent investigation by the law firm of Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten showed no evidence of staff misconduct.

“It is always challenging to deal with an unanticipated change in leadership,’’ said Masconomet School Committee Member Kosta Prentakis of Middleton, regarding Hodgdon’s resignation. “I have confidence that the superintendent and his team will take the appropriate steps to minimize the impact on the students, faculty, and staff.’’

In her final communication to the school community, Hodgdon wrote, “Masconomet Regional School District is an amazing learning institution filled with passionate educators, supportive parents, and engaged students. As a result, I have loved every day of being the principal of Masconomet Regional High School.’’

Linda Greenstein can be reached at greensteinlm@gmail.com.