Harrisonville Schools Superintendent Charged After Margaritaville Incident

Joseph Parkhurst faces trespass and property damage charges following an alleged drunken disturbance at a resort bar.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a broken beer tap, its metal surface reflecting the harsh light of a camera flash, conveying a sense of disruption and damage without depicting any actual violence or victims.A broken beer tap symbolizes the alleged damage and disruption caused by a school superintendent at a resort bar.Camdenton Today

The Superintendent of Harrisonville Schools, Joseph Parkhurst, is facing criminal charges in Camden County, Missouri after an incident in March at the Margaritaville Lake Resort. According to court documents, staff reported finding Parkhurst intoxicated, asleep, and in his underwear at the LandShark Bar, where he allegedly caused significant damage including broken beer taps, a damaged computer, and broken roof tiles.

Why it matters

As a high-profile public school administrator, Parkhurst's alleged behavior raises concerns about judgment and conduct, especially given he was attending a professional conference for Missouri school leaders at the time. The incident also highlights the potential risks of alcohol abuse and unprofessional conduct by those in positions of authority.

The details

Security staff at the LandShark Bar reported finding Parkhurst intoxicated, asleep, and in his underwear on the premises. They then escorted him out, discovering numerous plastic cups he had allegedly drunk from, several half-empty pitchers and margarita mix, empty beer cans, broken beer taps, a damaged computer, a broken landline phone, and damage to the roof tiles.

  • The incident occurred in March 2026 at the Margaritaville Lake Resort.
  • Parkhurst is expected to appear in court on April 21, 2026 at 9 a.m. in Camdenton, Missouri.

The players

Joseph Parkhurst

The Superintendent of Harrisonville Schools who is facing criminal charges related to the Margaritaville incident.

Margaritaville Lake Resort

The resort in Osage Beach, Missouri where the alleged incident took place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must hold all leaders in our community to the highest standards of conduct, on and off the job.”

— Sarah Johnson, Harrisonville Parent

What’s next

Parkhurst is expected to appear in court on April 21st to face the charges.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious questions about the judgment and professionalism of a public school superintendent, underscoring the need for rigorous ethical standards and accountability for those in positions of authority.