Superintendent and principal who lied about credentials facing multiple felony charges

KIOWA COUNTY — A superintendent and principal who lied about her credentials is now facing multiple felony charges.

Yonda Leonard, Plainview School's principal and district superintendent was fired by the school board in August following a series of News 5 investigative reports into her background and criminal investigation conducted by the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office.

Court records show Leonard was formally charged with 4 felony counts of forging a government issued document and 2 felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant.

At the time Leonard applied for the permanent role of principal and superintendent earlier this year, she stated she had her principal's license and special education endorsement. An inquiry into the Colorado Department of Education confirmed she did not possess these credentials.

Leonard later applied for them, but the Board of Education denied the applications.

Records show Leonard only possesses a K-6 elementary license to teach. At last check, that license does remain active.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Previous coverage:

School Board issues statement after firing fake principal

School Board issues statement after firing fake principal

School Board fires principal and superintendent who lied about her background

Group of parents threaten to remove children from school if fake principal cannot stay with the district

Fake principal and superintendent in trouble with Colorado Department of Education

Tensions rise after superintendent and principal lies about credentials

School district superintendent and principal under investigation for lying about her background and credentials