“I am committed to making a difference in the safety, growth, and success of our children. I will lead with thoughtful, dedicated leadership, inspiring all stakeholders to work together for the benefit of children, teachers, and families. Through collaboration, compassion, and consistency, I aim to make a lasting impact on our community.”
Susan’s Commitment to Academy School District 20
A note from Susan
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As a proud mom, law enforcement veteran specializing in school safety, and a newly appointed member of the Academy District 20 Board of Education, I am committed to ensuring the safety and success of our students and educators in Colorado Springs, home to Olympic City USA, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and four military bases…
Meet Susan
Susan Payne is a longtime District 20 parent, respected community leader, and national school safety expert. A proud mom of three D20 graduates and a 28-year law enforcement veteran, Susan brings unmatched experience and a deep commitment to our schools.
Appointed to the District 20 School Board in June, Susan has already made an impact championing a policy to ensure fairness and safety in school sports affirming the biological differences between males and females. Additionally, she supported a legal challenge defending local control that promotes fairness, safety and equal opportunity in athletics.
Susan’s Commitment to District 20
Strengthen Student and School Safety
As a national leader in school safety, Susan knows that learning can’t happen unless students feel safe and respected at school. She will champion best practices for prevention, safety, and crisis response and recovery strategies. Student and staff safety are not negotiable.
Susan with Mo Canady, CEO NASRO and Michele Gay, Co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools
Increase Academic Achievement
District 20 students deserve a strong academic foundation built on high expectations. Susan is committed to raising reading and math proficiency by championing best practices and age-appropriate curricula and instruction. She will advocate for more focus on core subjects to include reading, writing, math, history, civics, and STEM while mitigating distractions. In addition to academic achievement, Susan believes students should graduate with essential life skills including financial literacy, critical thinking, and responsible decision-making. By prioritizing real-time data and measurable academic growth, Susan will work to ensure every student meets or exceeds grade-level benchmarks and is prepared for success beyond the classroom.
Advocate for Parents and Teachers
Susan believes that parents are essential partners in student success and their voices must be heard and respected. As a School Board member, she will defend parental rights, promote transparency in curriculum and policy decisions, and ensure families have clear, timely communication and easy access to information.
At the same time, Susan recognizes that strong schools rely on dedicated educators. She will work to attract and retain high-quality teachers, counselors, and staff by fostering a culture of respect, professionalism, and collaboration. That includes supporting professional development, boosting morale, and ensuring that those who serve our students feel valued.
Preserve Local Control
It’s critical for District 20 to reflect local values while balancing broader state and national expectations. Susan will advocate for local control over curriculum decisions, ensuring instruction is age-appropriate and focused on core subjects and essential life skills.
As a conservative steward of taxpayer dollars, Susan will support efficient, transparent budgeting and advocate for regular assessment of spending to ensure resources are aligned with student achievement. She is committed to practical, data-driven solutions and will actively engage with the community to build trust and strengthen our schools.
Endorsements
“I’ve known Susan Payne for many years and have always been impressed by her integrity, leadership, and deep expertise in school safety and public service. Susan brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to every challenge, grounded in real-world experience and a genuine commitment to our community. She is exactly the kind of leader we need on the school board. I’m proud to endorse her.”
John Suthers
Former Colorado Springs Mayor and Attorney General for Colorado
Believe in a Brighter Future!
If you believe D20 schools should reflect:
Highest student and safety standards
Academic growth and rigor
Teacher and family engagement
Fiscal responsibility
Local control and community values