Arlington ISD is proud to announce two leadership appointments that reflect the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence and student success. Kiesha Edwards has been selected as the new principal of Ellis Elementary and Delisse Hardy has been named Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
Kiesha Edwards – Principal, Ellis Elementary
With more than 20 years in public education, Edwards brings a strong background in instructional leadership and campus operations to her new role as principal of Ellis Elementary. Since 2018, she has served as the eighth-grade assistant principal at Ousley Junior High, where she played a key role in implementing PLC protocols, managing the master schedule, and coordinating instructional resources.
She has also served as a summer school principal for multiple Arlington ISD campuses and has been recognized as a district lead assistant principal. Prior to joining Arlington ISD, Edwards held teaching and leadership roles in Mansfield, Everman, and Denton ISDs.
Edwards earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and holds two master’s degrees—from Prairie View A&M University—in counseling and educational leadership.
Delisse Hardy – Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
A dedicated educator with more than two decades of experience, Hardy transitions into her new role after serving as Arlington ISD’s Director of World Languages since 2020. In this position, she expanded access to global language programs and supported innovative instructional strategies across grade levels.
As Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Hardy will lead the design and implementation of instructional programming and curriculum development. Her work will focus on ensuring academic rigor, alignment, and equity across the district’s schools.
Hardy began her career in 2001 as a bilingual and dual language teacher. She has held multiple leadership roles, including principal of Wimbish World Language Academy and Crouch Elementary. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies with an emphasis in dual language from the University of Texas at Arlington.
“We are excited to welcome these two outstanding leaders into their new roles,” said Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. “Ms. Hardy and Ms. Edwards bring deep expertise, a passion for student achievement, and a track record of collaborative leadership that will help drive our district forward.”
Both appointments will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.