Metro school board leader won't run again

By NATALIA MIELCZAREK • Staff Writer(Tennessean) • April 2, 2008 Metro school board Chairwoman Marsha Warden will not seek reelection in the Aug. 7 school board race, she said Tuesday. Warden, who was elected in 2004, said her decision is tied to her father-in-law's death two weeks ago and a desire to spend more time with her family. "This school district is in transition and our family is in transition," Warden said. "This was a wake-up call on what's important for the Warden family right now. I need to focus on the family and what I can do to be more helpful." Warden represents the Bellevue area. At least six people — including Warden — picked up papers to run for her seat. Those also included Metro Councilman Eric Crafton. Candidates have until noon on Thursday to file their petitions. "With a new mayor and a search for a new (schools) director, it's a time to bring more advocacy voices about public education to the table," Warden said. "This isn't a time to tear it down; it's a time to build up a school district." Five of the school board's nine seats are up for grabs in August. The new board probably will be charged with picking a superintendent and dealing with increased government intervention because of low performance.