AS-DOE appoints new athletics director, while demoting Ta’ase

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Education has appointed a new Athletics Director. Tulaga Kevin Magalei has been selected by the Director of Education, Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e, as announced in a public statement.

Magalei replaces Suaese Pooch Ta’ase, who has been reassigned to Leone High School as a Physical Education teacher. Ta’ase, a veteran educator, was appointed as Athletics Director under the previous administration and had previously served as the Principal of Fagaitua High School. His reassignment is seen as many in the community as a ‘demotion’.

Ta’ase's reassignment was endorsed by Folausaua Fa’afetai Teofilo, Education Advisor at the Department of Education, in a letter dated September 22, 2025. In this letter, Folausaua conveyed the information on behalf of Director Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagala Taufetee, regarding Ta’ase's new position.

“Effective on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, you will report to Leone High School and meet with the Principal, Dr. Patrick Danielson, during normal working hours from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. As approved by the Director, your new assigned position is the PE and Health Instructor,” the letter states.

Ta’ase was encouraged to reach out to either his new supervisor or the Director if he had any questions or concerns. Furthermore, he was commended for his work in the Athletic Department and wished all the best in his new role.

The following day, the Director of Education issued a statement announcing Magalei’s appointment.

“Magalei will oversee all athletic programs for students across the territory, focusing on promoting student-athlete development and fostering a culture of excellence. We are delighted to welcome Tulaga Kevin Magalei to this vital leadership role. 

Magalei's extensive experience and deep commitment to our students' success make him the ideal choice to lead our athletic programs. We are confident that his vision will elevate our programs and provide our student-athletes with the best opportunities to grow both on and off the field.”

The Director noted that Magalei brings a wealth of experience to the position, with a long-standing record of dedication to local youth sports and education. He is recognized for his dedication to fostering teamwork, discipline, and personal growth in student-athletes.

The Athletics Department is a cornerstone of the ASDOE's commitment to holistic student development. Under Mr. Magalei's leadership, the department will continue to emphasize the importance of academic excellence alongside athletic pursuits.

Members of the public have taken to social media to voice their frustrations concerning the reassignment of Ta’ase. Numerous commenters have highlighted the impressive qualifications of both Ta’ase and Magalei for the position of Athletics Director. 

They emphasized that each candidate possesses extensive expertise and experience in both sports management and educational administration. Supporters have noted Ta’ase’s proven track record in developing successful athletic programs and fostering student-athlete growth, while others have praised Magalei’s innovative approaches to sports education and community engagement. 

Reassigning Ta’ase to the position of Physical Education teacher, after he has successfully progressed through various leadership roles — first as an educator, then as Vice Principal, followed by Principal, and finally as Athletics Director — is seen by many in the community as representing a major regression in the highly successful career of the well-known sports-educator figure.

This decision, according to many in American Samoa, not only undermines his extensive experience and contributions to high school school sports, but also seems to disregard the professional growth he has demonstrated over the years.

It remains to see if Ta’ase will accept his new post at LHS, or opt to retire or resign from government employment.