Maefau fully confirmed as Dept. of Education director

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After receiving confirmation from the House of Representatives on Monday, this week, Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufete'e secured full confirmation from the Senate yesterday as the governor's nominee for Director of Education. The Senate's vote was unanimous, with all 17 senators in favor.

While the House of Representatives raised several issues and concerns, the Senate session was notably more supportive. A few senators posed questions to the Acting Director of the Department of Education (DOE), but the majority extended their advice and best wishes for her success in the new role.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean remarked that, upon confirmation, Maefau would become the eighth female to be appointed as Director of Education (DOE) in American Samoa. He expressed pride in this achievement.

"Today, I am reminded of a Japanese saying: 'If you want to eat, grow rice. If you want to build a house, grow trees for timber. But if you want a strong government, educate your children to acquire the knowledge needed to build a strong government.'

"You, Dr. Taufete'e, are one of the sons and daughters of American Samoa who has received higher education and now stands in a position to contribute to building a strong government for our people. Among the honorable members of the Senate, only Senators Togiola and Magalei hold university degrees," Tuaolo stated.

The Senate President emphasized that when the islands of Tutuila and Manu'a were ceded to the United States Government, it was not university degree holders but traditional leaders who had the foresight and vision for the betterment of their children and descendants.

"We are now reaping the benefits and blessings of our relationship with the United States," Tuaolo continued. "Our forefathers did not rely on knowledge taught by man; they depended on God's infinite wisdom and counsel."

He extended his best wishes to the director nominee, emphasizing the importance of her undivided attention to improving education for the younger generations of the Territory and advising her that good teachers are essential.

Tuaolo had only one question for the DOE Acting Director. He asked what the equivalent of Grade 8 education was in the mainland compared to the Territory. Maefau answered that it is equivalent to Grade 5 education in the Territory.

Senator Tuana'itau M. Togiola then commented on the School Lunch Program funds, totaling $3 million, earmarked for local produce. He noted that the bulk of these funds has been used to import goods like SLP-approved beverages, leaving a small amount for purchasing locally grown crops like taro and bananas.

He pointed out that it has been more than 40 years since the School Lunch Program was implemented, yet there hasn't been a significant increase in the prices of local crops. He noted that taro costs $3 a pound and bananas $2.75 a pound, mentioning that bananas were $2.60 a pound a year ago.

Tuana'itau requested that the director nominee consider helping local farmers deal with the rising cost of living by implementing another raise for locally grown produce.

Senator Utu S. Poasa urged Maefau to reach out to the private sector to identify specialized skills and professions in demand. He also encouraged collaboration with universities and colleges on the mainland, in her capacity as a member of the Scholarship Committee, to facilitate scholarships for local high school graduates.

Utu highlighted the current need for more lawyers, teachers, and nurses. He emphasized that the Scholarship Committee should focus on identifying scholarship opportunities for local high school graduates to reduce the influx of foreigners taking these jobs in the Territory.

Senator Leatualevao S. Asifoa suggested employing teachers with specialized skills in trades — from Agriculture to Mechanical Engineering — at the high school level to prepare students for life after graduation. He advocated for the reintroduction of agriculture courses at Nu'uuli VocTech High School.

Leatualevao reminisced about a teacher who taught agriculture there 10 years ago and successfully engaged students' interest. However, when this teacher was hired by the Agriculture Department, the agriculture course at the school ended.

In an emotional speech at the end of the hearing, the DOE Acting Director expressed heartfelt gratitude to the senators. She promised to serve to the best of her abilities if given the opportunity.

BACKGROUND

Samoa News notes there was no mention of US President Donald Trump’s move to start closing down the US Department of Education, and the effect it will have on local education, during Maefau’s confirmation hearing.

American Samoa’s DOE depends on federal block grants to fund its educational programs, as well as CIP funds to build its infrastructure, i.e. school buildings.

There is also a move by the Trump administration to end the School Lunch Program, which again is 100% federally funded.