Vineyard public schools will see a full-time director hired for the English language learners program in the coming year, under a $5.8 million budget for the school superintendent. The all-Island school committee voted 11-3 to approve the shared services budget last Thursday.

The Edgartown National Bank was awarded the coveted rank of “outstanding” under the Community Reinvestment Act, a rare achievement for an Island bank. Loans and other assistance to affordable housing groups helped to boost the ranking.

On Cape Cod ambitious efforts are underway to remediate ponds and estuaries. And when coastal ponds decline, so do property values, the executive director of the Cape Cod Commission, told a meeting at the Katharine Cornell Theatre.

The rivalry game between the Vineyard and Nantucket football teams ended in victory for the Vineyarders, who defeated the Whalers 21-7 in a rough, penalty-filled game. Junior running back Jacob Cardoza scored two touchdowns.

On Friday afternoon, about a half dozen high school football players arrived at the First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven. Prayer time before the big game? No, they were there to help distribute food for the Family to Family program which helps local families in need receive a Thanksgiving meal.

During a tour of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School early Tuesday morning, new principal Gilbert Traverso outline several building maintenance concerns. The schools superintendent said a revenue shortfall meant money was not put aside for maintenance.