Subject: Important Update Regarding Lifetouch Photography Services

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Dear Families,

I am writing to address the concerns many of you raised over the weekend regarding our district's contract with Lifetouch photography services. We hear you, we share your concerns, and I want to provide you with an immediate update on how we are handling this situation.

Over the past few days, our administration contacted Lifetouch regarding your concerns. We were explicitly assured by them, in writing, that only students who had paid for pictures would be photographed. Trusting this written commitment, our administration and teachers communicated this plan to our families.

Today, February 18, Twombly Elementary held its scheduled spring picture day. However, Lifetouch abruptly changed course and issued an email today stating that all students were going to be photographed, directly contradicting the written assurances they provided to us.

This behavior is completely unacceptable and insensitive on their part. It directly violates the trust we have built with our families, as well as our foundational norms of transparency, safety, and clear communication.

Please know that we take this breach of trust very seriously. I have already been in touch with our district's legal counsel, and we are currently exploring all of our legal options regarding this contract, which was initiated prior to my appointment. I have also requested the full deletion of all pictures that were taken that were not paid for.

I plan on providing a detailed update to all families by Friday, February 20, regarding where we stand and our next steps.

I want to extend my sincere apologies to our teachers, administrators, students, and families who were misled by Lifetouch. Our staff communicated in good faith based on the assurances we were given, and I am deeply frustrated that those assurances were broken.

Thank you for your continued patience, trust, and advocacy for our students. I will be in touch again by Friday.

Sincerely,
Justin Ralston

Superintendent

Weld Re-8 School District