RATHDRUM - Mary Ann Ranells, superintendent of the Lakeland Joint School District for the past six years, has resigned, citing a desire to spend more time with family.

Brad Murray, Lakeland's assistant superintendent for the past seven years, has been named Ranells' replacement by the school board.

Ranells, who turns 63 next week, said she has been thinking about calling it quits for several months.

"It just seems like a good time for our family," she said. "I'm celebrating my 41st year (in education) so that's a pretty good run. I have eight grandchildren who are growing up fast, so I'd like to spend more time with them."

Ranells will remain at the district through June 30. Lisa Sexton, principal of Betty Kiefer Elementary in Rathdrum, has been named Murray's replacement as assistant superintendent.

Ranells recommended that Murray be her replacement "without reservation."

"He is the best person to lead Lakeland," she said. "He is truly gifted and compassionate. He's the hardest-working man I know besides Bob."

Ranells' husband, Bob Ranells, is superintendent and bus driver for the Wallace School District.

Mary Ann said she and her husband plan to remain living in Osburn. She plans to do some educational consulting and writing in addition to spending more time with family.

Ranells was the principal at Silver Hills Elementary in Wallace for two years before moving to Lakeland. She was also Idaho's deputy school superintendent under Marilyn Howard from 2001 to 2004.

Ranells said resigning from Lakeland was difficult.

"Out of all the wonderful opportunities that I've had, this is a dream place," she said, adding that the community, board and staff have been great to work with.

Ranells said her decision was based solely on family, not due to any circumstances at Lakeland.

"Each day I gave thanks for our incredible parents and patrons, for their values and for their commitment to great schools," she wrote in her resignation letter. "The Lakeland way became a part of my heart and soul."

Murray, 56, was director of the Riverbend Professional-Technical Academy in Post Falls for eight years before heading to Lakeland's district office. He also previously served two years as assistant principal and five years as the athletic director at Lakeland High.

Murray has worked in education for 34 years, including 24 at the Lakeland district.

"The district has been on a tremendous roll following the vision of Mary Ann," Murray said. "We don't need to change much, and I hope to continue the same line of excellence.

"We've got great alignment with standards and strong teacher teams."

Sexton, recommended by Murray to replace him as assistant superintendent, has been employed at the district for 23 years as a teacher, vice principal and principal.