Allegra Smisek to be Interim Executive Director of Perpich Center for Arts Education for Remainder of 24-25 School Year

November 11, 2024

We are happy to announce that we have a new member of the Perpich community. Allegra Smisek (smee-sheck) will serve as our interim executive director for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year. Allegra’s start date will be 11/20/24.

Allegra Smisek will be Interim Executive Director of Perpich Center starting on November 20, 2024

“Art is at the heart of what makes us human,” said Smisek. “Growing up in arts-rich environments, I have witnessed firsthand its transformative power. It is an incredible honor to lead Minnesota’s premier arts education center. The artists and staff at Perpich speak passionately about the unique spirit of this community, and I am excited to work together to create a more beautiful and inclusive world.”

With over 15 years of experience in education, Smisek most recently served as Director of Cradle to Career Initiatives for Goodhue County Education District and RiseUp in Red Wing, Minnesota. Her leadership bridged collaboration across six member school districts, strengthened community partnerships, and expanded youth participation in decision-making processes.

Previously, Smisek served as Director of Teaching and Learning/Assistant Superintendent for Red Wing Public Schools where she was instrumental in implementing innovative programs and championing equity-centered design to ensure success for all students.

Her prior roles include Assistant Director of Innovation, Design & Learning for Hopkins Public Schools, where she worked with the community to develop the Hopkins E-12+ Personalized Learning Framework and launched the Collaborative Lab School in partnership with Thrive Ed and district youth. Smisek also served as a school board member for Richfield Public Schools, where she played a key role in developing strategic plans and drafting equitable policies.

Smisek holds Superintendent and K-12 Principal Licenses from the University of Minnesota, along with a Master of Education in Social Studies Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History, Religion, and American Studies from St. Olaf College. Her career has been marked by a commitment to equity, creativity, and youth voice.

Smisek lives in Northfield, Minnesota, with her husband, Kyle Schmidt, their daughter, Leona, and their cherished pug, Ludi. She enjoys music, civic engagement, reading, collecting digital art, and laughter.

Perpich Board Chair, Pasha Khosravi, said, “We are excited to welcome Allegra Smisek to the Perpich family as the Interim Executive Director. Her leadership, her time working in school administration, and enthusiasm will serve our agency well.”  

Janet Mohr, Chair of the Board’s HR Committee said, “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Allegra Smisek to the position of Interim Executive Director at Perpich Center for Arts Education. She has an impressive list of accomplishments in administrative roles in districts in Minnesota. She’s enthusiastic about arts education, about our agency, and working with our legislature to advance arts education in our state.”

Welcome, Allegra!