I am writing to provide an important update on our efforts to ensure transparency and fair pricing for Wolcott families.

On Friday, March 6th, the Superintendent officially responded to the formal evidence and personal receipts I submitted regarding market standards and systemic pricing issues. While the Board of Education has clarified that the selection process for the next photography vendor will be conducted internally, they have made a significant admission that validates our hard work.  

The Superintendent confirmed in writing that the specific "systemic issues" we identified through our research and price comparisons will be shared with the review committee for their consideration as they develop the new Request for Proposals (RFP). These include:  

• Cost Per Child: Per-student charges that place an unnecessary financial burden on families compared to market standards.  

• Value for Money: A package structure that offers less value and fewer choices than standard market offerings.  

• Digital Flexibility: The lack of flexibility regarding digital images, which is now a standard industry expectation.  

• Forced Packaging: Policies that require parents to purchase unwanted packages simply to obtain a basic class picture.  

This is a major achievement for our community. By getting these points on the official record, we have ensured that the next bidding process cannot ignore the receipts and documentation we have provided. The district is now publicly committed to considering these factors before a new contract is signed.  

This follow-up correspondence has also been officially submitted to the Town Council for the public record and will be formally included in the correspondence for the next Regular Town Council Meeting.  

We will continue to monitor the public bidding process and cross-reference the new RFP against these four criteria to ensure the Board of Education follows through on its commitment to Wolcott’s parents, students, and taxpayers.

Thank you for standing with us. Our collective voice and documented evidence are making a difference.