FRANKLIN—Dr. Debbie Harris Rollins, principal of S.P. Morton Elementary School in Franklin, rescinded a resignation letter Thursday evening that she had previously sent to the board for approval.

Dr. Michelle Belle, superintendent of Franklin City Public Schools, said prior to the board’s closed session, Rollins sent a message electronically. Belle also spoke with Rollins over the telephone briefly to confirm.

“I am excited about this,” Belle said. “The board is happy that she will be in place this fall.”

Belle said that when she spoke to Rollins, that no reason was given for rescinding or the resignation. Belle never had to present the resignation to the board during closed session, since the item was rescinded before the closed meeting.

Belle had previously received the letter of resignation on Tuesday, stating that her last day would be Wednesday, July 31.

“It all happened so quickly and unexpected,” Belle said.

Calling the announcement shocking, Belle also said she’s been in administration for a long time and, “These things happen. We have to keep moving forward so our kids can get the best education.”

In a separate letter to her school’s staff before rescinding her resignation, Rollins gave no reason. The statement read, “Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you during the 2012-2013 school year! It has been my absolute joy to serve as principal of S.P. Morton Elementary School. Hopefully you saw that EVERY morning that I stood in the main hall to greet students, staff, parents and visitors.”

Staff Writer Stephen Cowles contributed to this report.