Franklin Matters: 2025-11-23

This session shares my conversation with the new Chair of the School Committee Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, November 20, 2025. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting Nov 18.

Quick recap:

Supt Giguere opens the session, solicits nominations for Chair.

One made by Callaghan for Griffith. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0
Nominations asked for Vice Chair. One made, Griffith nominates Callaghan. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

Pledge students from the Washington 3-5 school. 5 students in one class had originated in one of the other 5 elementary schools
Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption. Superintendent recommends adoption of the following policies as discussed:

IKF - Graduation Requirements
IKFE - Competency Determinations
Discussion on the adjustments to the grad requirements and competency which fine tuned the language for clarity. Moved to accept as discussed, passes 7-0

Discussion Only Items, informational for new members and for the weather as winter approaches for all

A. Inclement Weather Notice
B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals
C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

Spent time on the rationale and objectives for each of the subcommittees or liaisons for the SchCmte to assist the new members as which ones to select. Chair will make alignment and reveal for next meeting so they can begin scheduling meetings as needed
The importance of the MASC Workshop providing the first hour of training on the do's and don't of a School Committee member

Our conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1587-chalkboard-chat-11-20-25/

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SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate
on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

School Committee page (with contact info) -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee

School Committee newsletter with brief biographical info on the 7 members in addition to other school news -> https://5il.co/3sh1v

Franklin TV video of the Nov 18 meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s

The agenda doc can be found -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf

The meeting packet folder with other docs released for this session ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/november-18%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/862192

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlF11yc5sLUZBOhYoY_95dGb6zI68i0e/view?usp=drive_link

Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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FHS Cheerleaders bring home State Championship (again)

Yes, the Franklin High School Cheerleaders continue to add to their State Championship title collection with another win on Saturday.

FHS Cheerleaders bring home State Championship (again) 1

FHS Cheerleaders bring home State Championship (again) 2

Shared from -> https://x.com/FHScheer_/status/1992543695464259674 and from

Facebook

HockomockSports.com: "Franklin Comeback Falls Short Against Natick in State Title Game"

"In the final minute of the first half of Saturday morning’s Div. 1 state title game at Leominster’s Doyle Field, Franklin (15-5-2) lofted a ball into the penalty area. Natick was only able to half-clear it and it pinballed into the path of senior winger Gwen Holland.

The bounce may have been fortuitous but there was nothing lucky about the finish, as Holland coolly opened her body on the run and rolled it into the bottom corner.

Franklin was back in it, cutting the deficit to just one at halftime. Momentum was with the No. 6 seed and it carried through the break. The Panthers came out for the second half determined to get back into the final. They struck the bar, forced six saves, and had two gilt-edged chances inside the six that they weren’t able to put away.

Sometimes, you just don’t get the bounce you need. Natick capitalized on the missed opportunities and Nicole Proia scored her second goal of the match in the 65th minute to seal a 4-2 win for the Redhawks and their third state title in the last five seasons."

Continue reading the game recap By Josh Perry || HockomockSports.com Managing Editor (subscription required) - > https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-soccer-comeback-falls-short-against-natick-in-state-title-game/

For a photo gallery from this game (subscription required) -> http://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Fall-2025/Franklin-Natick-Girls-Soccer-11-22-25

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-22-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin TV: Synthespians, Part 2 !

You don’t want to become one.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/23/2025

Franklin TV: Synthespians, Part 2 !

We’ve oft heard, ‘God is in the details’.

And heard, ‘The Devil is in the details’.

Both can be true.

This tenet is attributed to art historian Aby Warburg, (1866–1929).

Aby spoke to the degree of discipline required to achieve true artistic mastery.

For 6 months Particle 6 studios tweaked details, iterating and refining models to develop Tilly. Yes, God is indeed in the details.

The contentious 2023 Hollywood strike involving actors (SAG/AFTRA), writers (WGA) and directors (DGA) was among other issues, about protecting the voice, image, and likeness of actors in a future AI enabled world. A noble cause. We all deserve to be protected from digital AI cloning that could easily be deployed to cast any of us in any manner of compromising statements and scenarios – ‘deep fakes’. In all of cyberspace, every person should enjoy a wholly protected exclusive right to their own voice, image and likeness.

The ELVIS Act, (Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security), is a Tennessee state law. It protects individuals from the unauthorized commercial use of their identity, particularly with AI-generated content. Governor Bill Lee signed the ELVIS Act into law on March 21, 2024. It updates Tennessee’s 1984 Personal Rights Protection Act, which protected name, photograph, and likeness, but not voice. The ELVIS Act is groundbreaking as the first legislation to specifically address AI’s impact on voice and likeness.

Given the issues around the studio embrace of AI (and future Tillys) there will likely be another contentious Hollywood strike at some point. Given that studio developed AI synthespians and avatars won’t protest, it might well be the last.

The devil is indeed in the details.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And staying informed at Franklin●news.

In case you missed part 1, you can find it here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/franklin-tv-synthespians-are-coming.html

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Congressman Jake Auchincloss Introduces ACA Copay Cost and Affordability for Patients (CAP) Act

Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) introduced the ACA Copay Cost and Affordability for Patients (CAP) Act to limit annual prescription drug cost-sharing for patients enrolled in health insurance plans through the ACA Marketplaces. Millions of Americans with ACA Marketplace coverage struggle to afford necessary medications, often facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs before reaching their plan's maximum limit.

A 2025 analysis by No Patient Left Behind found that health exchange plans have increased patients' prescription drug costs by an average of 36 percent since 2021. The same analysis estimated that 5.6% of enrollees had annual pharmacy out-of-pocket costs greater than $2,000, significantly higher than the $560.75 average in 2023.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss

The ACA Copay CAP Act would allow health plans to retain the majority of their plan benefit design flexibilities, while patients and taxpayers receive greater value from their premium subsidies and improved access to lifesaving medications.

The ACA Copay CAP Act would:

Establish new out-of-pocket caps for prescription drugs:

Starting in 2027, self-only coverage on the ACA would include a $2,000 cap per year for prescription drugs.
Starting in 2027, family coverage on the ACA would include a $4,000 cap per year for prescription drugs.

Increase the annual cap as premiums increase each year:

Starting in 2028, the cap amount would increase each year based on the premium adjustment percentage set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Annual increases would be rounded down to the nearest $50 increment.

"Insurance doesn't work if the co-pays and deductibles are unaffordable," said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. "When people pay premiums to insurance companies, they should be able to trust that the insurer will cover them when a doctor prescribes a drug they need. My bill is a step towards repairing that trust."

"While Republicans fail to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for working families, Congressman Auchincloss is working to reduce the cost of health care in the ACA," said Darbin Wofford, Deputy Director of Health Care at Third Way. "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors now pay no more than $2,000 a year in out-of-pocket drug costs. Third Way applauds Congressman Auchincloss's introduction of the ACA Copay Costs and Affordability for Patients (CAP) Act to extend that same protection to people in the ACA Marketplaces."

"This bill will provide life-saving financial relief to millions of families. As prescription drug prices in the United States continue to spiral out of control, forcing families to choose between the medication they need and putting food on the table, Big Insurance's pharmacy benefit manager subsidiaries are profiting handsomely," said Wendell Potter, President of the Center for Health and Democracy and Founder of the Lower Out-of-Pockets NOW Coalition.

"Over the past decade, the seven largest publicly traded health insurers have reported more than $500 billion in profits, including $146 billion spent on stock buybacks—profits extracted in part from unaffordable cost-sharing requirements that patients face at the pharmacy counter., Health care should be about patients, not profits. Which is why Congress should advance this vital legislation without delay."

"Though ACA enrollment is up nearly 80% since 2021, too many health plans offer 'coverage' in name only. Prescription drugs comprise just 10 cents of every dollar spent on health care. Yet from 2021 to 2023, insurers increased pharmacy copay costs for the average enrollee by 36%, and 5.6% of people had more than $2,000 in annual drug costs," said Peter Rubin, Executive Director of No Patient Left Behind.

Patients and taxpayers expect premiums to pay for actual treatments. It is time to improve health plan quality. Thanks to Rep. Auchincloss and the ACA Copay CAP Act, we're one step closer to real truth in insurance by requiring health plans and their vertically integrated PBMs to provide meaningful consumer protections from unaffordable out-of-pocket drug costs."

The following organizations support the ACA Copay Cost and Affordability for Patients (CAP) Act: No Patient Left Behind, Third Way, Center for Health and Democracy, Grady Legal, PA, California Physicians Alliance, A Healthier WE, Health Action New Mexico, Triage Cancer, Courage California, Hemophilia Federation of America, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, Arnall Golden Gregory LLC, Small Business Majority, Boomer Esiason Foundation, Doctors for America, Society of General Internal Medicine, Progressive Coders Network, and Patients Rising.

The full bill can be found HERE.

Town of Franklin, MA: 250 Celebration Committee

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted Fri, Nov 21, 2025:

The 250th Birthday Celebration kicked off ~~last~~ Thursday night (11/20/25).

833 days to the town's 250th Birthday!

Shared from ->

https://t.co/7yUDEATDix

Reminder: THANKSGIVING PIES READY FOR PICKUP ON TUESDAY, 11/25

Knights of Columbus Council 1847 – Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser

Thank you for participating in the 8th Annual Knights of Columbus Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser. We truly appreciate your continued support of our charitable efforts.

Thanksgiving is later this week, and our delicious pies from Lyman Orchards are almost ready!

Pie Pickup Information

📅 Tuesday, November 25th
⏰ 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Saint Mary's CCD Offices

Please remember to pick up your pie(s) during the scheduled pickup window on Tuesday, 11/25 at the CCD Office from 2 PM - 6 PM.

From all of us at Knights of Columbus Council 1847, Franklin, MA, we wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving

Matt Zajac - acoustic session at The Rome on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025

Matt Zajac - acoustic session at
The Rome on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025

Matt Zajac scheduled to play an acoustic session from 8:30 to 11:30 on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRVJMdzj_lk/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, November 23, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday