Saese Pooch Taase has been reinstated as Athletics Director for the Department of Education.
DOE Director Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee, in an October 6 letter addressed to Taase, wrote that her letter serves as official notification of his immediate reinstatement to the position of Athletics Director of the American Samoa Department of Education. The reinstatement took effect immediately per the date of the letter.
The director informed Taase, “You are expected to resume all duties, responsibilities, and authority associated with the Athletics Director position without delay. We look forward to your continued leadership and dedication to excellence within ASDOE.
On September 24, Taase was assigned to be a PE and health instructor at Leone High School, while the DOE director appointed Tulaga Kevin Magalei to replace him as Athletics Director.
Taase maintained that the reason why he was removed was because he spoke up against a decision by the director to place two teachers—who had been removed from their schools for unbecoming conduct—in the Athletics Department.
A hearing by the House Committee on Education last week into Taase’s reassignment revealed that the Director had not followed personnel regulations in removing Taase from his position. A request for reassignment should be submitted to the Department of Human Resources, and a decision is made by the Director of DHR. However, no such request had been made by the DOE Director.
Maefau told the hearing that she had talked with Taase and told him to come back to the Athletics Department.
