Parent urges Natrona County School District #1 to end Lifetouch partnership over privacy concerns

Terina Fredericksen urged the Natrona County School District #1 board to end its relationship with Lifetouch Studios, saying corporate ownership and high-level business ties raise concerns when student photographs and personal information are involved.

"Lifetouch operates under Shutterfly which is owned by Apollo Global Management," Fredericksen told trustees, linking the corporate structure to reputational concerns and citing public scrutiny of Apollo’s former CEO. She said those associations justify heightened review when companies hold student data and requested the district "remove and discontinue partnership with Lifetouch Studios." Fredericksen left a packet of local photographers willing to undergo district background checks.

The board did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting. Staff confirmed copies of Fredericksen’s packet would be received and that the petitioner’s materials were on file. No staff or trustee response challenging or accepting her specific allegations was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Why it matters: District contracts with vendors that handle student images and personally identifiable information carry privacy and oversight implications. Fredericksen framed the issue as one of consistent scrutiny — "If we hold volunteers and parents to rigorous safety standards, then corporate vendors entrusted with student data should meet a standard beyond question," she said — and proposed a local alternative through a formal procurement process.

What happened at the meeting: Fredericksen’s comment occurred during the public comment portion; she asked the board to act proactively rather than waiting for concerns to escalate and offered concrete names of local photographers who would be willing to comply with district background checks and formal agreement terms.

Next steps: The transcript records only the public comment and distribution of materials; the board did not schedule a vote or direct staff to begin a procurement process during this session. Any administrative follow-up or contract review would be at the discretion of district leadership.

Quotes: "Lifetouch operates under Shutterfly which is owned by Apollo Global Management," — Terina Fredericksen, public commenter.

"I am formally requesting that the district remove and discontinue partnership with Lifetouch Studios," — Terina Fredericksen, public commenter.

Ending: The board received Fredericksen’s materials during the public comment period; no formal action on vendor contracts was taken during this meeting.