Perpich Center head retires ahead of audit release

Perpich Center for Arts Education executive director Sue Mackert announced Friday that she will retire Jan. 2.

The announcement came as the Perpich Center undergoes two legislative audits and after a board report noted high employee turnover and declining enrollment at the agency's schools. The report also recommended a performance evaluation of Mackert, which was scheduled to happen over the next few months.

"I have been honored to serve the mission of the Perpich Center for Arts Education and our students. I have deep admiration for the faculty, administration and staff at the Perpich Center," Mackert said in a statement.

She has led the Perpich Center since 2010. She declined an interview request and did not provide a reason for her retirement in the statement.

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The Perpich Center opened in 1985 and has run its namesake arts high school in Golden Valley since 1989. It also manages Crosswinds Arts and Science school in Woodbury and provides arts outreach to school districts.

Enrollment at the high school has fallen by almost a third in five years, and the school has had four principals in just over seven years. Last spring, parents at Crosswinds raised concerns over management of that school.

The school has since gotten new leadership. Mackert's report to the board this week claimed increased enrollment at Crosswinds.

Board Chair Susan Mau Larson said Mackert's retirement was a personal decision. She said a transition team led by agency officials will meet next week.

"Arts education is absolutely vital to our state, and being able to provide this opportunity to students statewide is absolutely vital so I look forward to continuing to sustain and grow this mission," Mau Larson said.

Board vice chair Ben Vander Kooi said change at the agency should go beyond a new director — he noted a need for better board oversight.

"Believe me that's been one of the concerns that the newer board members have had. The governor has made it clear that we need to pay attention to what's going on and make appropriate changes when needed," Vander Kooi said.

Audit results are expected by next month. "This board is committed to making the changes that are reasonable and recommended by the auditor," Vander Kooi said.