“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.”

I am delighted to endorse Susan Payne for a seat on the Academy District 20 Board of Education. As well as being a national expert on school safety and student well-being, I know Susan as a motivated problem solver who finds solutions through listening, learning, and research. Susan consistently seeks various perspectives and strives to build consensus prior to formulating a position – regardless of the topic. I appreciate her long-time support of District 20 schools, staff, and students. She is a proud member of the D20 community and is a strong advocate for reclaiming the D20 brand as the best in Colorado. As an involved parent of three Air Academy HS graduates, Susan brings the knowledge and perspective needed in D20 leadership. I am proud to endorse Susan Payne for the District 20 Board of Education!

Susan Payne’s vision for safe, supportive learning environments, paired with her steadfast dedication to academic excellence, uniquely qualifies her to lead District 20 into a stronger future. Her extensive experience and lifelong commitment to public service make her the right choice to guide the district’s continued growth and success.

As the founder of Safe2Tell, Susan has been a trailblazer in school safety, creating a nationally recognized program that has protected thousands of students across Colorado and beyond. Her leadership has brought together educators, law enforcement, and communities to build safer schools where students can thrive academically and emotionally.

With Susan Payne, District 20 will have a leader who listens, acts, and delivers.

As a mother who lost a daughter in the tragedy at Sandy Hook, and as someone who has devoted my life to protecting children and improving safety in schools across this country, I know what it takes to lead with both heart and purpose.

That’s why I am proud to endorse Susan Payne for the District 20 School Board.
Susan is more than a public safety expert; she is a pioneer. As the founder of Safe2Tell, she created a trusted, life-saving pathway for students to report concerns before they escalate. Her visionary leadership has forever changed how we approach school safety, violence prevention, and student mental health, locally and nationally.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working alongside Susan. Her integrity is unwavering. She listens deeply, leads with facts and compassion, and brings a calm, determined presence to the most complex challenges. Susan doesn’t chase headlines, she builds solutions.
Our children deserve leaders who understand what’s at stake and are prepared to act. Susan Payne is that leader. She will show up, speak up, and stand up for every student, educator, and family.

I wholeheartedly support Susan Payne for District 20 School Board and urge the community to do the same.

I’m proud to endorse Susan Payne for the District 20 School Board.

Few people understand school safety like Susan. As the founder of Safe2Tell, she’s led one of the most effective early intervention programs in the country—saving lives and giving students a voice. Her work has set the standard for how schools and communities can partner to keep kids safe.

But Susan’s leadership goes beyond safety. She’s committed to academic excellence, transparency, and empowering parents. She listens. She leads. And she gets results.

District 20 needs her experience and leadership now more than ever.