Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On the heels of testimony given by the Director of Education Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e during a recent House Education Committee hearing that the proposed DOE FY2027 budget does not include funding for sports events, the Department of Education has stepped up to assure that all school athletic programs will proceed as scheduled for the new school year, ensuring a seamless continuation of sports activities without disruption.

In a recent communication, dated August 19, 2026 DOE Director Maefau strongly reassured the community of the department's commitment to maintaining these programs. 

This assurance was articulated in a comprehensive memorandum directed toward students, families, coaches, school administrators, and the wider community, emphasizing the importance of athletics in student life.

Dr. Taufete’e highlighted the American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE)’s unwavering dedication to supporting student-athletes. She said the department is fully committed to ensuring sports programs receive the necessary funding. This funding is crucial for equipping public schools with the resources they need to provide high-quality athletic opportunities that contribute significantly to students' overall development and well-being.

Furthermore, she highlighted the ASDOE's collaborative efforts with the Governor's Office and other stakeholders to finalize the athletics budget allocation. This ongoing collaboration underscores the department’s commitment to providing our schools with adequate resources essential to delivering meaningful and engaging athletic programs. 

At this stage, the Director has asked the public to be patient and understanding as the budget process unfolds. 

She emphasized that no final decisions regarding the athletics allocation should be presumed until the budget has undergone a formal approval process by the American Samoa Legislature. The ASDOE is working diligently to ensure all sports programs remain fully funded and operational as the new school year approaches.

In closing, Dr. Taufete’e, in her memorandum, reaffirmed that supporting student-athletes is not only a priority for the Department but a fundamental aspect of fostering a well-rounded educational experience. She expressed a strong commitment to giving students opportunities to excel in sports, contributing to their personal growth and fostering a strong sense of community among schools and families.

During the recent House Education Committee hearing, the DOE director also addressed concerns regarding the recent closure of the Athletics Office. 

She clarified that, despite this closure, it does not necessarily mean sports events will be completely absent in the upcoming school year. Dr. Taufete’e said the department is exploring alternative ways to continue offering athletic programs, ensuring students still have opportunities to participate in sports and benefit from the invaluable life skills that come with athletic involvement.

Lt. Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. had proposed an innovative plan to raise funds for DOE sports programs during his address at the Second Education Summit, where participants convened to examine the DOE's strategic five-year plan. Pulumataala strongly advocated actively seeking financial support to enhance sports events for children across the territory and went on to propose implementing a $2 deduction from the monthly paychecks of all government employees, directing those funds specifically towards enhancing DOE sports programs.