Director of Education Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufetee attended a legislative conference hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington DC. The conference provided a platform for state and territorial education leaders to discuss key educational issues and advocate for the future of education in their respective regions.
The DOE Director took the opportunity to meet with Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata to discuss the federal policies impacting American Samoa’s education system.
A press release from DOE said Congresswoman Uifataali informed the Director that her office closely monitors federal policy changes, and gave assurance that regular updates and communication will be provided. DOE said this reassuring feedback reinforced the commitment to ensuring that American Samoa’s educational needs are effectively addressed during this transition period.
The DOE Director also met with the Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who encouraged state and territorial education chiefs to continue communicating their needs to her and her staff as they navigate the federal level changes.
Secretary McMahon issued a statement saying, “Closing the Department does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them. We will continue to support K-12 students, students with special needs, college student borrowers and others who rely on essential programs. We will follow the law and eliminate bureaucracy responsibly by working through Congress to ensure lawful and an orderly transition.”
Recently, the US Department of Education enacted a reduction in force inline with President Trump’s commitment to return education to the states. Hayley Sanon, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at USDOE said these reductions are strategic cuts to offices and programs that will not directly impact students and families; but rather empower states and localities. He emphasized that critical functions for elementary and secondary education would remain unaffected and that the allocation and management of funding through programs, such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, would continue without disruption.
Source: ASDOE Press Release
