Conn McCartan Retires As Perpich Arts High School Principal

June 1, 2023

Conn McCartan, Arts High School Principal, is retiring from Perpich after four years of service. His last day will be Tuesday, June 20th. Conn started at Perpich in August of 2019.

When asked to reflect on his time at Perpich, Conn offered this: “It has been a privilege to serve this remarkable community for the last four years. A memory over my time here that has informed my approach to leading our school has been our Dedication ceremonies. During those, I heard students, staff, and alumni speak of what Perpich meant to them. As a newer member of the community, like our students, I was challenged to remember that Perpich is a gift and that I chose Perpich. I was challenged to dedicate myself to both treasure the gift that was created by those who came before me, and to add value to that gift for those who would come after me. Armed with that inspiration, I strove to do both of those things during my time here. The result was an enriching experience that has changed me as a professional and as a person. For that, and for the relationships I have shared with the staff, students, and families these past four years, I am most grateful!”

Conn receives a certificate of appreciation from the Perpich Board of Directors, presented by Dr. Charles Rick

Dr. Charles Rick, Perpich Executive Director, said, “Conn served the Arts High School and Perpich Center for Arts Education with distinction. His dedication to being an inspirational principal did not go unnoticed. We will miss his presence at the AHS and wish him the best.”

Rebecca Bullen, Assistant Principal, said, “Working alongside Conn was a gift. He is an educational leader who listens and supports the entire community, bringing out the best in all of us. His leadership made a difference and his impact was felt deeply by all.”

Pasha Khosravi, Board Chair, said, “Conn’s energy and passion that he always brought everyday will be missed. The high school benefited immensely from his strong leadership during the pandemic.”

Conn with Rebecca Bullen at Graduation 2022

Anne Johnson, Admissions Director, said, “Conn brought his full self to Perpich everyday. Even on days when he had some tough things to handle, personally or professionally, he maintained an upbeat presence and positive outlook. Conn always sees the good in people and situations, and brought that out in every interaction.”

Conn McCartan’s educational career spans nearly 40 years. During that time, he has been a science teacher, a coach, a student council advisor, a dean of students, an assistant principal, and a principal. Prior to Perpich, he served as high school principal at Eden Prairie (his alma mater), Maple Grove, and Blaine. While at Eden Prairie, Conn led them through a time of increased academic achievement (as measured by AP performance, National Merit Scholars, and ACT performance), college readiness (producing the highest percentage of graduates enrolling and persisting in college of any Lake Conference School), and co-curricular success (as measured by participation and state/national acclaim). Conn holds a B.S. in Natural Sciences from St. John’s University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas.

We thank Conn for his dedication and years of service and wish him the best of luck in this next adventure!