Katy ISD has announced Jason Sowders as the new principal of Olga Leonard Elementary School. Sowders, who has over 20 years of educational experience, will join the Leonard Leopards beginning Feb. 20.

“I look forward to working with the staff, students, parents, community, and namesake Olga Leonard, to continue the campus’ vision of ‘Leading the Legacy,’” Sowders said. “Since the school's inception in 2019, the campus has welcomed many new families to our thriving school district. I’m excited to be the newest Leopard on campus and to continue Leonard Elementary’s tradition of delivering unparalleled learning experiences.”

Sowders began his education career in 2002 as a teacher at Alexander Elementary School in Alief ISD. Two years later, he transitioned to Miller Intermediate School, also in Alief ISD. Looking to expand his educational career, he took on the role of instructional technology specialist for the campus in 2011, and three years later he was promoted to assistant principal.

Sowders joined Katy ISD in 2016 when he was named assistant principal at Williams Elementary. He remained with the Williams Wranglers until he joined the Winborn Elementary family in 2021 as the assistant principal.

Sowders has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary studies from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Houston—Clear Lake.

Leonard Elementary School is located within the Morton Creek Ranch subdivision, in the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD.