Horatio, Foreman Schools End Lifetouch Contracts Amid National Concerns
Two area school districts are ending their affiliation with school photography company Lifetouch as concerns circulate nationwide regarding the company’s corporate ownership.
Both the Horatio School District and the Foreman School District announced Tuesday that they are canceling future services with the photography provider.
Horatio Superintendent Dr. Michael Odom said the decision came after listening to concerns from parents. While the district’s internal review did not uncover any immediate safety issues, Odom stated that when families raise questions, the district believes it is important to respond thoughtfully. The district has already begun the process of seeking a new vendor.
Foreman Superintendent Adam Matthews issued a similar statement, noting that district officials likewise found no immediate safety concerns but opted to discontinue services with Lifetouch.
The concerns being discussed nationally are not related to any local incident. Instead, they stem from Lifetouch’s corporate ownership structure.
Lifetouch is owned by Shutterfly, which was acquired in 2019 by private equity firm Apollo Global Management. Apollo’s former CEO, Leon Black, later faced scrutiny for financial ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
That indirect corporate connection has gained attention online and raised concerns among some parents nationwide, particularly regarding student privacy and oversight.
However, there is no evidence linking Lifetouch itself to any criminal activity. The company has stated it is not named in Epstein-related documents and that no Lifetouch employees or executives have had any connection to Epstein. Lifetouch also maintains that student photos are not shared with outside parties and that investors do not have access to images or daily operations.
Despite those assurances, school districts in several states have begun reevaluating their partnerships. Some, including Horatio and Foreman, have chosen to cancel services as a precaution.
Local officials emphasized that their decisions are based on parent concerns rather than confirmed safety issues. District leaders say student safety remains their top priority as they move forward in selecting new photography providers.