Central Office
Administration

Dr. Mark Harpst
Superintendent

Dr. Harpst has been Superintendent for Platte County R-3 School District since 1996. His vision for the district has brought many changes. During his tenure the District has built the Platte City Middle School, Wilson Center for the Performing Arts, reconstructed Pirates Stadium including new baseball/softball complex, renovated Paxton, Northland Career Center, Barry and Platte County High Schools. Our facilities are said to be in the top of the Kansas City area.

Harpst has also moved the District to be recognized as one with "Distinction in Performance" for four out of the last five years. He has made academic achievement and parent/community involvement a top priority.

After graduating from West Platte High School, Harpst received his undergraduate and Master degrees from Northwest Missouri State University and his doctorate from UMKC.

Harpst was honored as the 2003 Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators and the Missouri School Boards' Association. He also served as the President of MASA for 2004.

"I am extremely proud to be a Pirate. Our school district has become recognized statewide as an annual leader in academic achievement as well as for excellent extra-curricular programs and facilities. We are very fortunate to be part of a community that strongly supports education and wants the best for our young people. "

Dr. Mike Reik
Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Reik began his employment with Platte County Schools in fall 2001 as Assistant Principal at Barry School and Platte City Middle School. After three years Dr. Reik moved to Principal at Barry School where he remained for two years. In Fall 2006, Dr. Reik moved to his current position of Assistant Superintendent.

Dr. Reik started education as an elementary teacher in the Peoria Public School District (IL). He soon moved to Liberty Public Schools where he taught first grade for three years prior to his administrative move to Platte County.

Dr. Reik holds a B.S. from Bradley University and a Masters Degree from Northwest Missouri State University. Dr. Reik received his Ed.D. in educational policy and leadership in the Spring 2007.

Currently, Mr. Reik oversees transportation, buildings, grounds and maintenance, district insurance and technology. Mr. Reik's Pirate Pride is evident. "I am lucky to live and work in a community so rich in human resources. Our students, faculty and staff, parents and patrons are top notch."

Mr. Rob Gardner

Assistant Superintendent

Mr. Gardner began his employment with the district in 1996 as a middle school teacher at Platte City Middle School.  After two years, he served as an Assistant Principal of the same building.  For the next five years he served as the Principal of Paxton School.  In 2006-07 he served as Principal at Rising Star and also served as the Director of K-8 Curriculum and Instruction.  In Fall of 2007, he moved to the position of Assistant Superintendent where he oversees the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development.   

Mr. Gardner holds a Masters Degree from Northwest Missouri State University, an Educational Specialist from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  Currently, he is working on his Educational Doctorate at the University of Kansas.

"The level of commitment our staff, students and parents demonstrate toward academic pursuits is outstanding. Platte County R-3 is an exemplary school district with a clear mission and the vision to do what is in the best interest of kids."