Perpich News
Board Members Leslie LeCuyer and Janet Mohr Say Farewell
January 24, 2025
Perpich Board Members Leslie LeCuyer and Janet Mohr attended their final official Board meeting on January 23, 2025. LeCuyer was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton in 2017 and reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Tim Walz. Mohr was appointed by Governor Tim Walz in 2022. Their terms officially ended on January 6, 2025. LeCuyer will remain on the Board in an advisory role until a new executive director is hired.
Left: Leslie LeCuyer; Right: Janet Mohr
Leslie LeCuyer, of Pine City, Minnesota, served as Vice Chair during part of her time on the Perpich Board. Leslie reflected on her service, sharing, “I believe in the power of the arts to not only transform lives, but as an essential part of educating our children. PCAE supports Minnesota’s educators in ways that helps students thrive. Education through the arts embeds learning and inspires student’s problem-solving skills and creative thinking. The arts provide them with additional skills to not only be a more well-rounded contributor in the workforce but also enhances their quality of life. It has been a sincere honor and privilege to serve on the PCAE Board for the past eight years.”
Janet Mohr, of Burnsville, Minnesota, served as Chair of the Human Resources committee during part of her time on the Perpich Board. Dr. Mohr said at the completion of her term, “Serving as a board member for the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Minnesota has been an honor. The Center is dedicated to arts education, offering unique and impactful opportunities for students and professional development programs for school districts throughout the state. It has been a privilege to work with professional staff so dedicated to the advancement of the arts.”
Allegra Smisek, Perpich Interim Executive Director, only worked with Leslie and Janet for a short time, but they both were influential. “Leslie and Janet have brought an exceptional depth of expertise to the Perpich board. As a former state legislator and longtime Executive Director of the Central Minnesota Arts Board, Leslie has strengthened Perpich’s connections with both policymakers and the arts community. Janet’s outstanding leadership in education, from state licensure to district administration, has been instrumental in guiding Perpich with wisdom and vision. Their contributions have left a lasting impact, and they will be deeply missed at our board table.”
Pasha Khosravi, Board Chair, said, “Janet and Leslie have dedicated their time and expertise to guiding Perpich Center with wisdom and grace. Janet’s tireless commitment to heading up two committees and extensive expertise in school administration has greatly benefited our agency. Leslie’s 8+ years of service to the Perpich Board, and her long-standing commitment to advancing the arts in Minnesota, have served our agency well. Both of these great leaders leave a void on our board and will be missed.”
Both Leslie LeCuyer and Janet Mohr attended the meeting virtually and their retirement plaques will be shipped to their homes.
Leslie LeCuyer has served as the executive director of the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) since 2003. The CMAB is one of Minnesota’s eleven regional arts councils. As a former Minnesota elected official, Leslie served on the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners and in the Minnesota House of Representatives. While in the legislature, Leslie served on the K-12 finance and education policy committees where she was a fierce advocate for the arts as part of Minnesota’s core curriculum. Leslie also served almost 20 years as a Greater MN At Large member of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) and on their executive committee. MCA, a statewide arts advocacy organization, has organized the arts community in support of the arts at the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress since 1974. Leslie studied art and psychology at St. Cloud State University. She is a visual artist specializing in pyrography and mosaic glass.
Janet Mohr has served Minnesota public education for more than 45 years, positively contributing to the lives of children, families, and communities. Mohr has acquired an impressive number of titles during her extensive career, including superintendent, principal, assistant principal, director of mental health, school psychologist, director of special education, associate professor, and high school teacher. In 2013, Mohr was appointed Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of School Administrators. During this time, she worked with the governor’s staff and elected officials in the state legislature to carry education issues forward. Mohr successfully led accreditation efforts for state colleges and universities, establishing high standards of conduct for all licensed administrators. Mohr was active in professional organizations such as the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA), Association of Metropolitan School Districts, Minnesota School Boards Association, Minnesota Administrators for Special Education, Minnesota Rural Education Association, American Association of School Administrators, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National and Minnesota Association of School Psychologists, Minnesota and National Principals Associations, Education Minnesota, and the National Education Association. Mohr’s honors and awards include MASA’s Administrator of Excellence, Benedictine Health System’s Trustee of the Year, and Minnesota School Psychologist Association’s School Psychologist of Excellence. She was nominated for the Minnesota Small Business Administration’s Entrepreneur of the Year for innovations in technology. Mohr was honored to present research at the National Association of School Psychologist Conference in Washington D.C. MASA granted her the Distinguished Service Award for her support of Minnesota children and contributions toward Minnesota’s public education system. Most recently, she was awarded the University of Wisconsin, Superior, Distinguished Alumni Award, to honor her notable professional success and whose achievements have inspired others.
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