RATHDRUM — Whether it was connecting students with careers or coaching teams to victories, Brad Murray has enjoyed his 36 years of working in education.

Murray, who has been the Lakeland Joint School District superintendent the past two years and was the district's assistant superintendent seven years before that, announced he'll retire at the end of the school year on June 30.

"It is time and it is a good time for Lakeland to have change," Murray said. "Change helps everybody grow. I've had changes throughout my career and it's helped me grow as a person."

Murray said continuing to work part time in education in the region by exposing students to job opportunities is an area he would like to explore in retirement.

"I know that the model of getting kids closer to careers works," he said. "That's really been a passion of mine."

Murray has spent 26 years of his work in education at Lakeland. His previous positions included being the director/principal of the former Riverbend Professional Technical Academy, athletic director and vice principal at Lakeland High and teaching in Post Falls and Wallace.

Among his highlights as a coach was leading Wallace High to a state golf title in 1985.

Murray helped create the Prairie Pig spirit game between Lakeland and Post Falls; the Hard Hats, Hammers and Hot Dogs event exposing high school students to industries; The Resort Academy based at The Coeur d'Alene Resort and Business Tours for Educators.

Murray said his greatest influences have included his wife, Julie; Norm Walker and Dick Lilienkamp, both teachers and coaches in Wallace; Jerry Keane, Post Falls school superintendent; Chuck Kinsey, former Lakeland high principal and superintendent; Mary Ann Ranells, former Lakeland superintendent; Ron Schmidt, former Lakeland assistant superintendent; Georgeanne Griffith, Lakeland administrator; and Jim Whiteman, former Lakeland High teacher.

Murray, who lives in Twin Lakes Village, said he's looking forward to spending more time with family and enjoying his hobbies, which include woodworking, golf, fly fishing and wine tasting.

"I'm not the type to sit still too long," said Murray, 58. "I've still got some fuel in the tank, so it's a good time for me to step back and reassess to see what the future holds."