An investigation is underway after neighbors saw a Nazi flag hanging at Governor Thomas Johnson High School in a Maryland suburb. Superintendent Theresa R. Alban says the school district will "take appropriate action" Monday in light of the incident.

"The flag was removed as soon as our administrators were made aware. An apology was sent to the community," Alban said in a statement to local Fox 5. "This does not reflect the values of our school system."

Alban's public apology referenced a Nazi flag "used in the (school's) World War II history class" that "was left hanging in the classroom and was clearly visible in the window."

"FCPS sincerely apologizes to our community for this incident as we share your feelings regarding the hatred and intolerance message this flag represents," Alban wrote. "We understand the seriousness of this matter and care deeply for our community immediate recovery and belief in FCPS as a school system, which celebrates diversity."

School officials say they discovered the flag hanging from the window during a boys' basketball game this weekend between Thomas Johnson and Frederick high schools.