RATHDRUM - The Lakeland Joint School District will host five town hall meetings this school year to seek community input on any school-related topics.

"There was no request for these meetings or an expressed concern," said Brad Murray, school superintendent. "We just feel it will be a valuable use of our time for us to have a conversation with the community members who support our schools."

Lisa Sexton, assistant superintendent, suggested the meetings as a way of being available to the district's stakeholders and communicating district and school information, Murray said.

The 6:30 p.m. meetings are as follows:

* Thursday, Oct. 16, Timberlake Junior High

* Tuesday, Nov. 18, Athol Elementary

* Tuesday, Jan. 13, Twin Lakes Elementary

* Thursday, Feb. 19, John Brown Elementary

* Thursday, March 19, Betty Kiefer Elementary.

"The purpose of these meetings is to provide our public stakeholders an opportunity to engage in dialogue with our school and district administration and trustees," Murray said. "The district will provide current information about the Lakeland Joint School District, discuss public education at the local and state level, and highlight some of the dynamic programs taking place in our schools and answer questions."

The hope, district officials said, is that the meetings will help address issues transparently.

"We acknowledge and celebrate that all staff, all entities and all community members raise students and student achievement," Murray said. "In so doing, we prepare each student to be successful, and our students develop a strong sense of community."