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.

As the founder of Safe2Tell, a nationally recognized student safety program, Susan has worked with leaders across the country, including the White House, to keep students safe. She served as a Colorado Springs Detective and became Colorado’s first Special Agent in Charge of School Safety.

Susan has long been involved in D20, serving on the District Accountability Committee, chairing the Safety Committee, and leading county efforts to address rising youth suicide through prevention, awareness, and crisis response. Now, Susan is running to continue her work, protecting parental rights, upholding community values, and building safe, academically strong schools that put students first.

Trusted by parents, respected by school and community leaders, and proven through decades of service, Susan Payne is the strong, steady voice District 20 families can count on.