Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The House confirmed Maefau Dr. Mary Taufeteʻe in a vote of 16- 1 as Director of Education on Monday, February 2, 2025.

In her opening remarks, Maefau expressed her gratitude to the Governor for her nomination and shared her passion for learning and commitment to education and earnest desire to serve the young people of American Sāmoa.

Faipule were then given the opportunity to address the Acting Director with questions and concerns. Topics discussed ranged from the shortage of teachers, students meeting federal standards, truancy rates, the substitute teacher program, audits of grants and federal programs, and the drug testing of department employees.

Rep. Vailoata Amituanaʻi posed a question about the shortage of teachers in the territory and how she, as Director, would address the issue.

Maefau responded that it was not a new problem and within the three weeks of her nomination to the position, she has witnessed some of the challenges facing the department regarding the teacher shortage.

She said that she was looking deeper into the issue and proposed the revival of the World Teach program, a US-based volunteer teacher program spearheaded by Education and Scholarship committee chairman Fiu John Saelua, to help mitigate the shortage.

Rep. Trude Ledoux-Sunia asked how she would address the need for the DOE to meet federal standards and how she would ensure that American Sāmoa will be in compliance with a major deadllne in July 2025.

Maefau responded, “Follow the law and you will never go wrong.”  She stated that she would investigate the issue and address the problem so that schools will not be penalized.

The acting director further stated, “Even though I have never been a teacher in the Department of Education, I was an instructor at the American Sāmoa Community College.

“I will continue to vigilantly monitor the situation so that no problems arise.”

The faipule asked further questions about what policies are in place regarding drug usage in schools and what programs would put in place to provide counseling and drug rehabilitation.

Maefau said she would investigate the issue and underscore the importance of the work that current counselors are helping to address the problem. She further stated that she would address the truancy problem.

Rep. Dr. Vaʻasā Simanu inquired into the status of the substitute teacher program, pointing out that some teachers were frequently traveling abroad. She also asked about the status of the Board of Education and whether they were still active.

Dr. Simanu made requests on behalf of her constituency to reduce student tardiness by bringing back the Uila o le Sami to assist the transportation of Aunuʻu students to Fagaʻitua High School. Additionally, she wanted a bus for students of Alofau so they did not have to walk long distances to Fagaʻitua and petitioned for air conditioning for students on Aunuʻu.  

Rep. Larry Sanitoa stated that even though Maefau has never worked in a classroom in the Department, “there is a reason for everything,” and “perhaps we need new ideas.”

Sanitoa pointed to the maintenance issues prevalent in school facilities, even though the previous administration had poured much into infrastructure and the construction of new buildings.

The faipule lamented the high rates of high school graduates having to take remedial classes at the local college and questioned whether the curriculum taught met standards. He further suggested the department “look outside of the box,” to address this problem.

Rep. Avagafono admonished the high number of employees in administration and suggested some return to the classroom to help alleviate the teacher shortage.

The Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale asked Maefau if drug testing and background checks were enforced and she said replied that they were.

Savali also noted her lack of experience in the classroom as a DOE teacher and if she was ready to undertake her role as head of the department.

The Acting Director acknowledged that even though she has not worked in a classroom, she has a strong desire for learning and to serve the department and children of American Sāmoa. She further stated that with God’s blessings, she is prepared to fullfill the role of Director.

Maefau was confirmed by the House after the committee hearing, 16-1. Four representatives not present and the faipule from Swains did not participate in the vote.