Director of Education Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufetee in a statement released Thursday afternoon expressed “profound disappointment and concern” regarding the US Department of Education’s recent decision to deny ASDOE’s request for an extension to complete projects funded under the American Rescue Plan Act.
“This decision is deeply disheartening,” she said. “The denial of our extension request despite our diligent efforts to demonstrate the critical need for these funds in mitigating the ongoing effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on our students, disregards the unique challenges faced by American Samoa.”
The Director said that ASDOE will be appealing the decision, “As we firmly believe these projects are essential to supporting our students’ educational recovery and well being.”
ASDOE had requested an extension to March of 2026 and had received approval from USDOE. However, the new Secretary of Education rescinded the approval.
“It is important to note that the initial approval for this extension was granted in a letter dated December 16, 2024, from the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). However, on March 28, 2025, a letter from the Secretary of Education rescinded this approval, requiring all states and outlying areas to reapply for the ARPA liquidation extension, with applications to be submitted on the same day.”
Dr. Taufete’e pointed out that the denial “undermines our educational initiatives and severely impacts our local vendors and economy.”
She commented, “The abrupt termination of these projects disrupts ongoing efforts and creates unnecessary hardship for our community. There has been no consideration for the financial impact this reversal decision has on local businesses who have supported the education of our students.”
As KHJ News reported, $42.2 million for 14 projects, mostly school facilities, are affected. The main reason cited by USDOE for the denial is because the construction projects do not directly provide academic services to students.
