This article is a part of 12-piece series for The Times’ 2025 “Year in Review.” Click here for the print version.
Students, teachers, and administrators in schools across the six Vineyard towns have had a transformative year, to say the least. Leadership changes were a common occurrence, Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) is planning the most costly building project in Island history, immigration raids resulted in a decline in attendance, and administrators pleaded with lawmakers to pass affordable housing initiatives because of difficulties hiring staff.
Childcare and the education of the youngest Islanders were found to be in the midst of an extreme shortage, with costs out of reach for many families and waitlists spanning years. One preschool closed its doors, while others are hoping to expand.
The high school has seen the most changes of all. Sara Dingledy, the principal of MVRHS, announced her move to an administrative position during the summer, and Sean Mulvey, a school counselor, was appointed in an interim capacity to the role. But while many hoped Mulvey would be the permanent principal, it was announced this December that he will return to counseling after this school year. So, the search for a high school principal begins again.
And that’s not the only turnover for local teenagers. The head of the Charter School, Peter Steedman, announced he will move off-Island after school is out next June.
The superintendent of all Island schools, Richard “Richie” Smith, also shocked some educators and community members, when he said he’d be retiring next June.
To top it off, the MVRHS building is in significant decline, with mold in the walls, asbestos under floorboards, and leaking pipes. But some controversy has been sparked over the high price tag on a planned building project to address those concerns.
Despite challenges, students engaged with the community and each other. Teachers held down the educational fort and got cost-of-living raises in this year’s contract while doing it, something they had been advocating for over the past few years.
School committee members met weekly to keep administrative wheels turning. Everyone involved in the high school building project planned, crunched numbers, and started to put some of the significant pieces of the puzzle together.
The education of the next generation was taken seriously by those tasked with it, and many young community members celebrated successes and daily wins. Arthur Shoenherr, a first grader outside of the West Tisbury School on day one of this school year, encompassed the most important takeaway of all: “I have a good feeling I’m gonna make new friends,” he said to The Times with a smile.
Other headlines:
High school to look for new principal
Teachers union, schools finalize three-year contract
Preschool breaks ground in Chilmark
Montessori school hopes to double infant childcare options
Infant, toddler care severely lacking on Island
Fern & Feather preschool closes its doors
For immigrants, declining school enrollment and rising anxiety
Islanders plead with lawmakers to pass housing legislation
Inside MVRHS: Asbestos, mold, and leaking pipes
School superintendent announces retirement
Vineyard schools see MCAS gains, but pandemic still lingers
Committee endorses contract for high school build
Island-wide vote chosen for school building project
Aquinnah voices opposition, support for high school project
Head of Charter School to take mainland job
One of your article states children will remain in school until 2029? Mold must not be that dangerous? it would be nice to understand who is holding the 350,000,000+ pocketbook if you have no planned superintendent or principal, you won’t be giving this checkbook to the man or woman who seem to overspend $$660,000 last year ,will you ??you won’t be giving this pocketbook too the group that built your Vineyard Haven schools at four times the cost will you ??? who’s running this project? I know who’s going to pay for it we are.