East Haven High School Principal Stephen Anderson has resigned, just weeks before the 2012-’13 school year is set to begin.

Anderson and Superintendent of Schools Anthony Serio couldn’t be reached for immediate comment. But Board of Education Chairman Tom Hennessey confirmed Anderson’s departure from the East Haven school system.

Hennessey said he learned of Anderson’s resignation Wednesday afternoon. Asked if the news was a surprise, Hennessey said, “It was to me.”

Hennessey said that with the school year set to begin in mere weeks—Wednesday, Aug. 29 is the first day—it would likely make sense to put an interim principal in place and not quickly hire a permanent replacement for Anderson. “You wouldn’t want to rush this,” he said.

Hennessey said the Board of Education will look to Serio for recommendations on how to proceed in the process to replace Anderson.