Falls schools will use local photographer for student photos

Although an out-of-town bidder, Enstrom Studios, had been on the agenda as the lowest bidder for the photos, community feedback as well as the opinions of several board members interrupted its approval.

The board heard from local photographers Cedulie LaVigne of Cedulie’s Photography and Jackie Halla of Capture Your Moment Photography, on behalf of their own businesses.

Several people who attended the meeting expressed strong opinions that if community members are constantly being reminded to spend locally for the area’s financial health, then the school board should also heed that message.

Ultimately, in spite of somewhat higher costs and a longer time frame, the board agreed that local photographers should submit cost bids with identical itemizations for easier comparisons by the board — which could then choose one photographer. Interested local photographers should pick up the bid package formats from the superintendent’s office in Falls High School.

Jennifer McBride, in a prepared statement, said “I want to know what Enstrom Studios is giving back to this community,” and then went on to cite a recent donation made by LaVigne. McBride said that money awarded to businesses outside the community will not benefit the local economy.

Jacque LaVigne, Cedulie’s brother, spoke publicly; and a statement from her aunt, Theresa Ness, on the value of quality photographs was read by Becky Roeder. Board member Willi Kostiuk also spoke in favor of LaVigne.

Halla, of Capture Your Moment Photography also of International Falls, remained silent during much of the discussion centered at LaVigne’s table. When Halla spoke, she stood and gave her credentials as a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and then thanked the board for allowing her to submit a local bid for the photos, and for including her in the process.

Roeder told The Journal that she resolutely supports local businesses and was just happy that a local photographer would be given the contract. She said she felt either of the photographers in attendance would do a fine job. By Roeder’s estimate, contracting with a photographer outside the area would remove the buying power of more than $35,000 from the local community.

Stacey Cann, a local photographer who was not submitting a bid, said that after recently viewing a school photo from a company outside the area, she believed its quality comparison to local professional work “wasn’t even apples to apples.”

Board member Michelle Hebner’s suggestion of splitting the contract (elementary/high school) between the two attending photographers was discouraged by LaVigne because of complaints she anticipates. She said that parents would then be unhappy about different backgrounds in their children’s pictures, and that it makes an unattractive yearbook for the high school. However, LaVigne also suggested that both photographers be allowed to set up equipment at the school and allow parents their choice of photographer.

Another woman in attendance suggested that local photographers each be awarded the job in alternating years. That suggestion was not pursued.

But the board appeared to be unanimously in favor of using a local photographer, and several expressed discomfort at being in the position of making the choice. LaVigne questioned if it had to be decided by the board, and if the community could vote on the issue.

“It’s a board decision,” replied interim Superintendent Kevin Grover.