Health officials on the Island are conducting contact tracing this week after a reported case of chickenpox at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School.

Both the town of Oak Bluffs and the regional high school committee believe the ongoing dispute over an artificial turf field should not go to a full trial, but the two parted ways on how the case should be resolved.

Kindergartners across Dukes County have a higher proportion of vaccine exemptions than anywhere else in the state, with a 6.3 per cent county-wide exemption rate compared to the 1.4 per cent state average.

The state education department says the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School needs “assistance or intervention,” based on results from standardized tests administered last spring.

Looking to quell a persistent dispute among constituents, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School committee this week voted to ask for a written legal opinion on the longstanding school district practice of accepting cash donations without requiring identification.

Next week, two classes will be temporarily moved to the Chilmark Community Center as workers finish up HVAC work at the Chilmark School.