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Board approves 321 photography contract with new off‑site consent requirement
Summary
After extended debate about liability and equity, the Bledsoe County Board approved a renewed contract with 321 Photography for high‑school photos, adding a contract amendment requiring parental/guardian consent and accompaniment for off‑site sessions involving minors.
The Bledsoe County Board of Education voted to approve a renewed contract with 321 Photography for senior and school portraits after weeks of discussion over student safety, liability and equitable access to yearbook images.
High school principal Matt Lidley recommended continuing the district’s arrangement with 321, saying the company has provided reliable services and that the district has benefited financially from the arrangement. Board members raised concerns about students visiting a photographer’s private residence for senior portraits and about whether the contract sufficiently limits off‑site sessions.
Miss Bailey, the high‑school yearbook sponsor, told the board the yearbook program relies on a combination of student‑made and professional images to maintain equity: "we use student made images and 321's images ... that way, everyone has equal opportunity," she said, explaining why the district has historically relied on a single vendor for certain yearbook assets.
After discussion, the board adopted amended contract language to require that "All photographs shall be made at the school or schools unless parents or guardians consent and accompany the student to the offsite location." The amendment also clarified that a parent or adult must accompany minors at off‑site locations, and that a makeup in‑school photo day will be available for students who do not wish to go off‑site.
The motion to approve the contract with the amendment passed on a roll call. During the vote Mr. Churches recorded a dissent while a majority voted in favor.
The board asked staff to draft the parental consent procedure and any required permission slips to implement the amendment and to ensure the contract language includes background‑check and liability provisions for vendor employees who work on school property.
The board’s action applies to the high school contract; the board approved a separate middle‑school photography contract that board members said showed fewer off‑site concerns.
Next steps: district staff will finalize the amended contract language and the consent form before distributing scheduling information to seniors and families.
