East Texas ISDs End Lifetouch Partnerships

(KNUE-FM) While there are lots of things that Texans have strong opinions about, there is one thing we can all agree on. We all want kids to be safe in our communities. And due to a popular photography business being involved in a controversy regarding the Epstein files there are numerous East Texas school districts that are canceling their partnerships with the company.

Which East Texas School Districts Ended Partnerships?

Lifetouch Photography had partnerships with many East Texas schools and according to KETK, these school districts have decided to end the partnership:

Athens ISD
Kemp ISD
Kilgore ISD
Malakoff ISD
Cross Roads ISD
Van ISD
Edgewood ISD
Winnsboro ISD

Why Lifetouch Is Facing Controversy

Within the Epstein Files, Leon Black is named. He is the former CEO of Apollo Global Management which later acquired Shutterfly, and he is accused of being involved with Epstein. The United States Committee on Finance reports that Black made payments of at least $158 million to Epstein for “purported tax and estate planning advice.”

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Parents React on Social Media

On social media, there were parents in other districts asking — and in some cases demanding that more school districts end the partnership with Lifetouch.

There were also dozens and dozens of local photographers that were attempting to replace Lifetouch as the new school photographers.

We will keep an eye on East Texas school districts and what their plans are moving forward with school photographers. This is going to be a difficult task for whoever needs to make the decision, as we are halfway through a school year currently, but it wouldn't be shocking to see more East Texas school districts end their partnership with Lifetouch in the coming days and weeks.