House approves Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee for DOE Director

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The House of Representatives has unanimously approved the nomination of Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee as Director of the Department of Education. The vote was 16-0.

In her opening statement before the House Education and Scholarships Committee, chaired by Rep. Fiu Johnny Saelua, Maefau said education was a very dear subject to her and pointed out that she has not taught in a public classroom, but was an instructor at the American Samoa Community College.

Several representatives said they had confidence in her ability to lead the Department of education, and did not question her credentials.

Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu offered her advice at the start of the hearing. “Be honest and lead the staff to do what is right for the government,” he counseled.

Rep. Vailoata Amituanai said schools don’t have enough teachers and asked the nominee, if she has considered a solution to address this ever present problem.

Maefau said that in the three weeks since her appointment, this was one of the issues she has been looking into, pointing out that there are so many areas in the department that need attention. She plans to bring back the services of World Teach, the US volunteer teacher program that sends teachers to different parts of the world that need them.

Rep. Trude Ledoux-Sunia pointed to the high risk designation that DOE has been in for the past two decades and asked the director for her plans to end this.

Maefau answered that she would ensure staff follow the law and regulations so that the education of children is not affected. She said employees must carry out their jobs with honesty.

Another subject that Ledoux-Sunia brought up was DOE’s drug policy which includes that students found using drugs receive counseling and enroll in a drug rehabilitation program. She asked how this policy can be enforced when the territory does not have a drug rehabilitation facility.

The acting director said she will look into this, but pointed out that the department has counselors who provide counseling services for students. She also planned to reinstate truancy officers.

Rep. Dr. Vaasa Simanu, a former teacher asked if DOE still had a substitute teacher program which can help with the teacher shortage. The director nominee said she would look into the status of the program and agreed that it would assist with the teacher shortage.

Dr. Simanu also requested that DOE bring back the “Uila o le Sami” vessel to transport students from Aunuu attending Fagaitua High School, because she said with the reliance on the island’s alias the students are always late to school. She also asked that DOE provide a bus for students of Alofau, who currently have to walk to Fagaitua High School.

Rep. Avagafono Maiava urged Maefau to make use of credentialed staff in the central office to go and teach in schools that don’t have enough teachers.

Rep. Larry Sanitoa pointed out that the former administration did a lot to improve education, including the raising of teacher salaries, building new classrooms and other projects. But, he said, the teacher shortage is still very serious and the maintenance of school buildings was lacking because there are not enough resources. Another issue that he felt should be addressed is why 95% of high school graduates have to take remedial courses at the American Samoa Community College. He said the fact that Maefau hadn’t worked in DOE before means she comes in as an outsider with fresh ideas, and this is good.

House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale inquired if Maeafau had conducted a drug test and background check, and she responded yes. The Speaker noted that the nominee had not worked in DOE before, and asked if she was prepared to take up the task of leading the department. In her response, the director nominee said, while it’s true she hasn’t worked in DOE, education is very dear to her heart, and this is one reason why she has continued to seek higher credentials and continue to learn. She said she was prepared physically and mentally for the job and will depend on her faith in God.

Maefau has a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University, a Master of Arts in Pre-Law & Human Resources from the US International University in San Diego and a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Human Behavior also from the US International University, San Diego.

The two representatives for Ituau, Sauasetoa Ho Ching and Manumaua Wayne Wilson asked their colleagues to support Maefau’s nomination. Manumaua said Maefau was a role model for youth in their village to follow with regards to her professional achievements and also service to the village and church.