Published March 10, 2023
EMS ISD is pleased to announce that Carla Hardy will be moving into a new role as the EMS ISD Assistant Director of Fine Arts. Hardy will fill the newly created position to continue supporting excellence in Fine Arts across EMS ISD as the district continues to grow and new campuses are added.
"I am overjoyed to accept this position, allowing me to partner with the outstanding Fine Arts educators and students in EMS ISD,” Hardy said. “I believe so strongly in the lifelong benefits fine arts education has on the lives of our students and community. I am most looking forward to experiencing first-hand the magic that happens every day in our art, band, choir, dance, elementary and theater spaces!”
Hardy has been active in public education for 20 years as an assistant principal, high school and middle school choir director, accompanist, and vocal coach. She currently serves as an assistant principal at Chisholm Trail High School, where she previously served as the head choir director. Carla and her husband, Jared, moved to the EMS ISD community to open the doors of Chisholm Trail as the choir directors in August of 2012. In addition to building the tradition of excellence in Chisholm Trail Chorale, the Hardys started the Ranch Hands and Ranger Renaissance programs at CTHS, partnering with students to help build the identity of Ranger Nation.
“Carla Hardy is one of the finest music educators I’ve had the pleasure to know,” said Shawn Bell, EMS ISD Director of Fine Arts. “Her dedication to students and teachers is second to none. I am thrilled that she is moving into this administrative position because of the positive impact she will now have on Fine Arts all across EMS ISD.”
Hardy graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance in 2002 and a master's in education in 2013, both from Wayland Baptist University. Carla and Jared were named 2018 Distinguished Alumni for Wayland Baptist University. Hardy was proud to be named as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction in 2016, Teacher of the Year for Chisholm Trail High School in 2018 and 2020, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2018 and the Jostens Renaissance National Educator of the Year in 2018. Hardy's choirs were consistent recipients of UIL Sweepstakes awards, and her students were repeatedly selected as TMEA All-State Choir members, TCDA Honor Choir members, and TSSEC Outstanding Soloists. She serves as a clinician and judge for regions and choirs all over the state while speaking about social and emotional learning, student leadership, and educational climate and culture at state and national conventions.
The Hardys have two children, Jakob and Lily, who are extremely active in Fine Arts on their campuses in EMS ISD. Carla Hardy officially begins her new role in EMS ISD on April 3, but she will continue to support CTHS throughout the spring during this transition.
