Cheltenham School District Weighs Dropping Lifetouch After Epstein Ties

District exploring options for student portrait services amid concerns over Lifetouch's parent company

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Cheltenham School District in Pennsylvania is considering dropping photography company Lifetouch for school picture days, after a former executive of Lifetouch's parent company was referenced in the Jeffrey Epstein files. The district superintendent has informed parents that they are exploring all options for future student portrait services in light of the reports.

Why it matters

The potential severing of ties between the school district and Lifetouch highlights growing concerns over the company's connections to individuals implicated in the Epstein scandal. This decision could set a precedent for other school districts weighing the ethics of continuing to use Lifetouch's services.

The details

Lifetouch is owned by Shutterfly, which was recently purchased by Apollo Global Management. Leon Black, a co-founder of Apollo, was named in the Epstein files for asking the convicted sex offender for help quashing an accusation of sexual impropriety. While Lifetouch has stated that neither Apollo nor its funds are involved in the company's day-to-day operations, and that Lifetouch itself is not named in the Epstein files, the school district is conducting due diligence and allowing parents to opt their children out of Lifetouch's spring portrait sessions.

  • On February 27, 2026, the Cheltenham School District superintendent informed parents of the district's plans to explore options for future student portrait services.
  • In December 2025, CBS News reported on documents in the Epstein files showing Leon Black, a co-founder of Apollo Global Management, asking the convicted sex offender for help quashing an accusation of sexual impropriety.

The players

Cheltenham School District

A school district in the Philadelphia area that is considering dropping photography company Lifetouch for school picture days.

Brian Scriven

The superintendent of the Cheltenham School District.

Lifetouch

A photography company that provides school portrait services, owned by Shutterfly, which was recently purchased by Apollo Global Management.

Leon Black

A co-founder of Apollo Global Management, the parent company of Lifetouch, who was named in the Epstein files for asking the convicted sex offender for help quashing an accusation of sexual impropriety.

Ken Murphy

The CEO of Lifetouch Group.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Lifetouch statement)

“The district is exploring all options for future student portrait services.”

— Brian Scriven, Cheltenham School District Superintendent (Letter to parents)

What’s next

The Cheltenham School District will be conducting appropriate due diligence consistent with its policies as it explores options for future student portrait services.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing scrutiny and ethical concerns surrounding companies with ties to individuals implicated in high-profile scandals, and the potential impact on school districts and families when deciding which vendors to use for student-related services.