Citing no evidence of wrongdoing, Arkadelphia Schools stand by Lifetouch amid controversy

In light of multiple school districts across Arkansas severing ties with Lifetouch photography over concerns that its parent company’s former owner and alleged links to the Jeffrey Epstein files, Arkadelphia Public Schools will not drop its current contract with the company, the district said. However, the district said it would review the contract and consider other options going into the future.

Backlash against the company stems from concerns linking Lifetouch’s parent company, Apollo Global Management, to former CEO Leon Black, who has been associated with the Epstein files. Lifetouch has denied all allegations, saying no executives have connections to Epstein, that the company does not share student images with third parties, and that Apollo Global Management does not manage daily operations or have access to student data.

School district officials in Arkadelphia said they have found no reliable evidence of wrongdoing involving student photos in the district, Superintendent Nikki Thomas said in a message broadcast to parents this week. The message went out after some parents questioned the district’s contract with Lifetouch, and during a week scheduled for student photo sessions. Order forms had gone out in early February, before the concerns were raised, and many families had pre-ordered and prepaid for their child’s pictures, Thomas pointed out. A photo session set for Friday was optional. Only students who had pre-ordered and prepaid would have their pictures taken.

“The concerns being discussed online appear to focus on business ownership connections, not on any proven misuse of student images,” Thomas said. “All photographers have completed the required background checks. They will follow the same security procedures as any visitor to our campus.” Further, Thomas said school staff would be present during all photo sessions.

“We also want you to know that we will review our current contract and look at other options for future school photography services. We will share updates as we receive verified information,” Thomas said.