Otago Boys' High School rector Clive Rennie said yesterday he had been contemplating retirement for a while, and had been looking at leaving some time next year.
However, the exact timing would depend on whether he was elected to the ORC in October, he said.
''I think, very obviously, you couldn't hold both positions.
''At this point, I haven't committed to anything.
''If I get the role, it will help clear my thinking about what happens in the future.''
Mr Rennie, a former pupil at the school, had been rector since 1999.
Mr Rennie believed he had something to contribute and was keen to continue serving his community.
He was excited about the possibility of a change in career, but believed if he was successful, it would not be a radical change.
''It will be similar to what I've already been doing - making decisions around resources and people. I would like to continue doing that.''
Chasing the six seats in the Dunedin constituency are Mr Rennie, business mentor Austen Banks, University of Otago scientist Marc Shellenberg, mental health consultant Graham Roper and the the six incumbent councillors, Louise Croot, Michael Deaker, Trevor Kempton, Sam Neill, Gretchen Robertson and Bryan Scott.
