The public is invited to speak with St. Paul Schools board members on an informal basis Thursday during a "listening session" at Four Seasons A+ Elementary, 318 Moore St.

All issues at the 7 p.m. event are open for discussion.

Toya Stewart Downey, a district spokeswoman, said the event is part of a board effort to make itself more accessible to students and families.

"In this informal setting, (members) can interact with the community in a way that typically isn't possible in a school board meeting," she said Wednesday. "The goal of the sessions is to find out what's working, what's not working and hear suggestions."

Conversations also are planned next month at Jackson Preparatory Academy, 437 Edmund Av., on April 11, and at the Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center Auditorium/Theater, 800 Conway St., on April 24.

Go to the board's website for more information.

Anthony Lonetree