ROBERTSDALE, Ala. – Former Robertsdale High School Principal Theresa Bryant issued a statement on Thursday, thanking the Central Baldwin community for their support while insisting she has done “nothing wrong” after suddenly retiring from the school on Friday.

“Looking back, I was discourteous in not saying goodbye,” she said. “I know there are rumors because I departed so quickly. However, I could not stand before the students, faculty and staff who I love so much and say farewell.”

Baldwin County School System Communications Director Terry Wilhite confirmed on Monday that Bryant retired from the school on Friday after serving 26 years as a teacher, assistant principal and the last 12 years as principal.

Assistant principal Stephen Grant is serving as acting principal until an interim can be named.

“Interviews will be held and the superintendent will make a recommendation to the board,” Wilhite said. “There has been no timeframe set.”

Bryant, a graduate of Robertsdale High School, served as an English/economics teacher at RHS from February 1985 to July 1995.

From August 1995 to May of 1998 she taught economics and served as an administrative intern before taking over as assistant principal for the school in June of 1998.

She was named principal in July of 1999. Paul Hollingsworth served as interim principal for the 1998-99 school year following the retirement of John Falck after 31 years with the Baldwin County School System.

In a letter sent to various media outlets on Thursday, Bryant thanked the Central Baldwin Community “for the support that they have given to me as a student, teacher, assistant principal and principal at Robertsdale High School.”

“Those of you who know me realize that I poured my heart and soul into Robertsdale High School,” Bryant said. “I will always cherish the friendships that I made at RHS and in the community.”

Bryant said she was “thrilled with her retirement” and is looking forward to “just being a member of the RHS community” and will continue to support Robertsdale High School and the community.

“I am not gone and will still work to promote our great school,” she said. “I wish my faculty, staff and students the best of everything. I will see you soon.”