District Overview

Dr. Josh Chastain became superintendent of Harrisonville Schools in July 2023.

Prior to coming to Harrisonville, Dr. Chastain served as the Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and the Federal Programs Director in the Nixa School District for four years, but served as a district level administrator in Nixa for seven years. He also served as school principal for the preceding eight years. His administrative positions include the Executive Director of Digital and Professional Learning and the principal at John Thomas School of Discovery, Summit Intermediate, and Main Street School. He started his career as a second and third grade teacher in the Springfield School District. While in the Springfield School District, he also served as an Education Technology Specialist.

Dr. Chastain earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and his Master’s in Education Administration from Missouri State University. He earned his Specialist and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University. He also served as an adjunct professor for Southwest Baptist University.

He is a member of American Association of School Administrators and served as a member of the Missouri State University Elementary Education Advisory board. He was the vice president of the Southwest Curriculum Directors Association.

Dr. Chastain is married to Jennifer and they have three daughters, Aubrey, Catie, and Ashley.

As I reflect on my first year as superintendent of Harrisonville Schools, I recognize that it has been an incredible journey filled with memorable moments and significant strides forward.

One standout moment was when an elementary student showed up wearing the exact same outfit as mine—a humorous reminder of the strong connections we build with our youngest learners. Similarly heartwarming was hearing about a kindergarten student who excitedly told their parents about taking a photo with "the owner," not sure what a superintendent was, but showing the genuine impact of my role on our students.

Participating in the Homecoming parade was a highlight, seeing our entire Wildcat family come together in celebration. It was a powerful symbol of community spirit and unity. Another unforgettable experience was attending graduation for the first time as superintendent. The perfect weather matched the pride we felt in honoring our distinguished graduates and their achievements.

Beyond these moments, our district has made significant gains and undertaken important work to propel us forward. Our teachers have shown remarkable dedication during professional development days, focusing on enhancing our curriculum to better serve our students. The strategic plan committee and action teams have been diligently crafting our roadmap for the future, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our community and students.

Being part of initiatives like Real World Learning has been particularly fulfilling, as we prepare our graduates for life beyond graduation. These efforts are pivotal in equipping our students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the real world.

Lastly, I am continually inspired by the Harrisonville community. The partnerships we have formed and the unwavering support we receive ensure that every student has the opportunities they deserve. It is a privilege to be part of such an amazing community that values education and the well-being of our youth.

As I look ahead, I am excited about the future of Harrisonville Schools. With the dedication of our staff, the collaboration with our community, and the enthusiasm of our students, I am confident that we will continue to achieve great things together.

Dr. Joseph Parkhurst is a dedicated educator and leader with a rich history of service in Missouri’s education system. His journey began in 2011 when he joined the Sherwood School District as a social studies teacher and a three-sport coach, where he honed his passion for education and coaching.

In 2013, Dr. Parkhurst transitioned to the Belton School District, continuing to excel in his role as a teacher while nurturing his commitment to student success. His dedication to education and leadership abilities led him to a pivotal role as the activities director for the Holden School District, where he achieved remarkable results, increasing participation in all activities by an impressive 30%.

As he continued to grow in educational leadership, Dr. Parkhurst assumed the role of assistant principal at Holden, where he played a vital part in shaping the school’s educational landscape. He collaborated with staff on Professional Learning Community (PLC) development, guided the transition to standards-based grading, and seamlessly integrated 1-1 technology for students.

In 2020, Dr. Parkhurst’s journey reached a new milestone as he became the high school principal at Holden High School. Under his leadership, the school continued to thrive, with a focus on standards-based grading, the development of career and technical education programs, advanced district therapy initiatives, and an impressive 93% teacher retention rate. His exemplary leadership was recognized when he received the prestigious title of “New Principal of the Year” in 2021 and was a finalist of “Principal of the Year” in 2022.

Dr. Parkhurst’s dedication to education extends beyond the school walls. He has been a respected presenter at MoASSP and DCI conferences, where he shared insights on grading practices and culture development. Additionally, he served as the 2022 Missouri Central Region Legislative Liaison, advocating for educational excellence and innovation.

Education is a cornerstone of Dr. Parkhurst’s life. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Avila University and furthered his educational journey by obtaining a master’s of education degree from William Woods University. In 2020, he proudly graduated from Baker University with a Doctor of Education in educational leadership.

In addition to his educational pursuits, Dr. Parkhurst actively engages in various community organizations and associations, including MoASPA, the Harrisonville Enhanced Enterprise Zoning Board, Masonic Lodge #480, Harrisonville Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Harrisonville Bright Futures Board.

Dr. Parkhurst’s commitment to education is matched by his love for his community. Raised in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, he has deep roots in Cass County. He and his wife Kristine, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, are proud parents of twins, Jaxon and Finnegan. Together, they are thrilled to be a part of the vibrant Harrisonville community.