In a time of flux for Vineyard public schools, a race is underway to determine the makeup of the Up-Island Regional School Committee. Six candidates are competing for five spots on the committee, half of whom are first-timers. The majority are running as write-in candidates.

Special Education parents received official endorsement from the all-Island school committee at last Thursday's meeting, opening the door for the group to take a more active role in school matters.

Despite hours of debate and five drafts of an operating budget, the up-Island regional school committee has yet to agree on a financial plan for 2015. Now under discussion is a draft that asks for an increase of 8.09 per cent, $752,000 more than last year.