Todd County School board hears concerns about student photo access, asks staff to explore local photographer options
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Summary
Board members discussed circulating rumors that third parties could access student photos taken by Lifetouch, with the chair saying the district’s review found those claims "were not true" and asking staff to research local photographer alternatives before July.
Chair (speaker 1) raised parents’ concerns about circulating rumors that third parties had access to students’ photographs taken through the district’s provider, Lifetouch, saying the district received emails from Lifetouch and investigated the claims. “Those were not true,” the chair said, adding that Amanda suggested the board explore alternative local photographers.
The chair said the rumors had created anxiety among some parents and described steps to address the issue proactively. The board discussed options for contracting local photographers the district has used in the past and agreed to research alternatives between now and July.
A staff member (speaker 2) and several board members noted there are reputable local photographers in the city who have worked with the district previously; the board did not identify any firm names to replace the current vendor during the meeting. The conversation centered on protecting student privacy and ensuring parents’ concerns are addressed while maintaining school processes for student photos.
The board did not take a formal vote on the photography vendor during the meeting. Members asked staff to return with options and recommendations at a future meeting, and to clarify the district’s current contract terms and any privacy protections Lifetouch provides.