Cabot parents demand schools end ties with photo company after Epstein files release

Parents cite loose financial ties between Lifetouch's parent company and Jeffrey Epstein as reason to sever contracts

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Parents in Cabot, Arkansas are calling for local schools to end their contracts with school photography company Lifetouch after the release of files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While there is no evidence Lifetouch itself was involved with Epstein, the company is owned by Shutterfly, which is under the investment firm Apollo Global Management - a firm previously led by Leon Black, who had extensive financial ties to Epstein. Parents say this connection is unacceptable and are petitioning Cabot schools to switch to local photography companies instead.

Why it matters

The release of the Epstein files has prompted increased scrutiny of any companies or individuals with even loose financial ties to the disgraced financier. Parents in Cabot see this as an opportunity to shift school photography contracts to local businesses rather than a national company with indirect links to Epstein.

The details

A parent named Hannah Kirkpatrick started an online petition calling for Cabot schools to cancel their contracts with Lifetouch, which has garnered over 240 signatures. Other Arkansas school districts like Mount Ida and Horatio have already severed ties with Lifetouch. While Lifetouch has stated it has never provided student images to any third party and that Apollo employees have never had access to student photos, Kirkpatrick says this assurance is not enough to ease parents' concerns.

  • The Epstein files were released in February 2026.
  • Kirkpatrick started the petition calling for Cabot schools to drop Lifetouch in February 2026.

The players

Hannah Kirkpatrick

A parent in Cabot, Arkansas who started an online petition calling for local schools to end their contracts with Lifetouch photography company.

Lifetouch

A school and family photography service used by schools across Arkansas and the country.

Shutterfly

The parent company of Lifetouch, which is owned by the investment firm Apollo Global Management.

Leon Black

The former chairman and CEO of Apollo Global Management, who had extensive financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Ann Gardner

The Superintendent of Mount Ida Schools, which has severed ties with Lifetouch.

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What they’re saying

“To me, if there's any financial ties to someone who has hurt children, then an investigation should take place.”

— Hannah Kirkpatrick, Parent (ktlo.com)

“The safety of our students and faculty is of the utmost importance to Mount Ida Schools. For this reason, Lifetouch Photography services will cease until further notice.”

— Ann Gardner, Superintendent of Mount Ida Schools (ktlo.com)

“Lifetouch does not – and has never provided – images to any third party. Neither Apollo nor its funds are involved in the day-to-day operations of Lifetouch, and therefore no one employed by Apollo has ever had access to any student images.”

— Ken Murphy, Lifetouch Group CEO (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The Cabot School District has not yet provided an official statement on whether they will sever ties with Lifetouch. Parents like Hannah Kirkpatrick are continuing to advocate for the district to switch to a local photography company instead.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the heightened scrutiny on any companies or individuals with even loose financial connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as parents seek to protect their children's privacy and safety. It also presents an opportunity for local photography businesses to partner with school districts looking to move away from national providers.