Public schools on Martha’s Vineyard are taking a closer look at how fairly they educate a diverse student body of more than 2,200 children, following a year-long study.
The All-Island school committee is grappling with a steep increase in the cost of services that the superintendent’s office provides to students across the Vineyard, particularly in the areas of special education and staffing.
The next assistant superintendent of Martha’s Vineyard public schools could be a retired educator or other Island resident, according to the man who held the job for seven years before becoming the school system’s top administrator in July.
Some school staff will get a raise, other negotiations are going to arbitration, and the assistant superintendent spot may stay vacant for a little longer.
Martha’s Vineyard public schools will continue to require universal masking indoors and on school transportation for all K-12 students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, but with an amendment allowing masks to be removed when outside.
The all-Island school committee discussed ways to add diversity training, anti-racist curriculums and racial literacy programs in the Martha’s Vineyard public school system.