Frank Warren has decided not to seek reelection to his position on the Collierville School Board.

Two likely to challenge Collierville School Board incumbent

Warren, who was elected to the board in 2018, had previously said he would seek another term, but in recent weeks has decided to change course.

“I had mentally set a deadline of June 1 to make an announcement,” Warren said. “I spent a lot of time praying about this. By June 1, I didn’t have a clear answer from the Lord. Default position was maintain status quo. I’ve not had a peace about it moving forward.”

As he continued to pray, he felt like stepping down at the end of his term was the right course of action. He noted it was not an easy decision and there is a sense of sadness as he shared the decision.

He and Suellen, his wife, had a number of hard but effective conversations about whether to seek another four-year term, but he said now he has peace about stepping down.

He told fellow board members, Superintendent Gary Lilly and those who planned to serve on his campaign team last week. Some asked he reconsider.

“I felt like the Lord has spoken to me,” he said. “I got to a place where I was at peace with it. Suellen was at peace with it.”

In the past four years, Warren said he has enjoyed the people with whom he has served. At the beginning of his term, he served with four board members who had served in their positions since the district’s inception.

“I imagine it will be really hard in October and November as I begin that process of leaving,” he said. “I’ll miss being a part of watching these students do amazing things.”

He joked that being a school board member is similar to being a grandparent in some ways. He reads to students often and has fun with them and spoils them. Then he leaves and lets the teachers deal with any necessary discipline.

During his time, he’s enjoyed working with state lawmakers and advocating for the needs of the district in Nashville.

Collierville Schools board incumbents to seek reelection

“I switched careers eight years ago because I wanted to be able to spend more time in Collierville investing in the community,” said Warren, who is a Realtor. “I kind of had divided loyalties in a way. In a way, there will be sense of clarity. I can focus on one thing instead of trying to maintain two things.”

Warren believes this is the end of his life in public service. While he said the future is unknown, he’d be surprised if he was led to run in the future.

Election Day for the Collierville School Board and Board of Mayor and Aldermen is Nov. 8.

Collierville leaders formally approve resolution supporting teachers

Keri Blair, Jeremy Smith and Heath Hudspeth have pulled petitions for the seat.

Those who pull have until Aug. 18 at noon to turn in their petition with qualifying signatures. Those who qualify may withdraw before Aug. 25 at noon.