Perpich Center asks for $6 million to make main entrance accessible and modernize restrooms

Allegra Smishek, executive director of the Perpich Center for Arts Education, told the Capital Investment Committee on March 5 that the agency needs $6,000,000 in bonding for two urgent facility needs: a secure, accessible main entrance and ADA‑compliant restroom upgrades across campus.

Smishek said Perpich is a 40‑year‑old state agency that operates both the Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley and statewide professional development programs. "These upgrades are not about expansion," she said. "They're about maintaining safe and accessible facilities for students from across Minnesota as well as educators." She noted the governor recommended $1,300,000 toward the request.

John Tope, Perpich finance director, and Betsy Anderson, communications director, highlighted program reach: Perpich reported serving roughly 275 school districts and hosting nearly 313 events for about 2,000 educators last year. Committee members asked whether Perpich receives per‑pupil funding; Smishek said Perpich is not funded on a per‑pupil model and the agency's total current funding allocation is $8,600,000.

Lawmakers also asked about a campus tunnel and traffic improvements and whether accessibility and student housing needs are being addressed; Perpich staff described previous asset‑preservation projects including HVAC modernization and cited student residential programs that extend access to Greater Minnesota students.

The committee did not act on the request during the hearing; members thanked the presenters and moved to subsequent agency briefings.