Ringgold won't allow out-of-state photographer for fundraiser

NEW EAGLE – Ringgold School Board voted Wednesday not to allow an out-of-state photographer to take pictures for parent organization fundraisers.
The decision came after local photographer Dave Savarino questioned why Monongahela Elementary was using Minnesota-based Lifetouch School Portraits for pictures next week.
Savarino, who has had a business in the Mon Valley for 38 years, said the district has had a gentleman’s agreement for decades that local photographers would take school pictures. Savarino said he would give the schools a better deal than they are getting from Lifetouch for the fundraiser, which is separate from the regular school pictures he takes in the fall.
None of the board members knew of the Lifetouch fundraiser. Several board members exploded in anger, questioning why students would be pulled out of class for the pictures and whether the Lifetouch photographers had the appropriate clearances. They also questioned why a local photographer wasn’t used.
This is the first year for the fundraiser at Monongahela Elementary, but it’s been at Donora Elementary for several years. Parents said the fundraisers at both schools were approved by the principals. The parents also said they didn’t realize it needed school board approval.
The parent organizations get $2 for each picture that’s taken.
MEC PTO President Tammy Warchol said the fundraiser was brought in because parents requested it. They like the unique options for pictures that Lifetouch offers, she said.
After talking to the district’s solicitor, Warchol said she is trying to find another location for the Lifetouch fundraiser, which will take place after school.
“I have to do some scrambling tonight,” Warchol said after Wednesday’s school board meeting.

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