Chilmark selectmen last week expressed reluctance to join a lawsuit filed recently by the town of Tisbury intended to challenge the state-imposed formula for funding the regional high school.

Selectmen received a press release from the town of Tisbury explaining the lawsuit, which was filed in Dukes County Superior Court two weeks ago. The release invited other Island towns to take part in the complaint.

The lawsuit names the Massachusetts Board of Education, Acting Commissioner of Education Jeffrey Nellhaus, Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and the town of Oak Bluffs as defendants.

“My first response is not to join,” board chairman Warren Doty said. “I am reluctant to join any lawsuit against the school district.”

He expressed hesitation in joining a lawsuit which could pit one part of Chilmark against another.

Selectman J.B. Riggs Parker, who is also an attorney, will review the lawsuit and selectmen will put the matter on the agenda for a future meeting.