KIOWA COUNTY — News 5 Investigates has obtained more state records involving a Colorado superintendent and principal caught lying about her background.
Earlier this year, the fake principal applied to be come a real one, but we now know the state denied her request.
News 5 Investigates confirmed Yonda Leonard submitted an application for a principal's license and special education endorsement with the Department of Education back in February---two things she told the school board she already had when she applied to become a permanent principal and superintendent of the Plainview School District in Sheridan Lake.
Leonard held the title of interim principal and superintendent since July 2018, according to state records.
She was awarded the permanent role in the Spring of 2019, but News 5 Investigates now has a copy of a state record showing that Leonard's principal application and request for two special education endorsements were denied by the State Board of Education.
The chair of the board signed the denial letter and stated that Leonard engaged in "unlawful and unethical conduct".
However, this ruling does not impact Leonard's current license to teach elementary school. That license could still be revoked, pending a formal hearing.
A date for that hearing has not been set, but the board as voted to proceed forward with this process.
A source close to this investigation tells News 5 there will be a local school board meeting Wednesday, August 21 to determine how to proceed forward with the latest developments on this case.
You can review the state's initial findings here.
