Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that American Samoa will receive $8,324,352 in federal funding to support education jobs for the 2010-11 school year.  In a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary Arne Duncan stated that these education dollars will support thousands of jobs and keep teachers working in the classroom with our students.

The funds are part of a $10 billion education fund appropriated through H.R. 1586, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama on August 10, 2010.  The funding is distributed to states and territories by a formula based on population figures.  It is intended to support an estimated 160,000 education jobs nationwide, building on the 300,000 jobs supported over the past two years through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

In his announcement, Secretary Duncan commended American Samoa for being one of the first to submit their application and thanked his team at the U.S. Department of Education for making funds available within a matter of days.
 
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Obama, Secretary Duncan, and my colleagues in Congress for their dedicated leadership and for making strides towards supporting teachers across the nation.  As our economy recovers, it is important that we provide the means for our educators to keep their focus on teaching and for our students to receive the necessary support they need in the classroom,” the Congressman stated.

“I also thank Dr. Claire Poumele, Director of the American Samoa Department of Education, for her leadership and commitment to supporting our teachers and students,” the Congressman added. 

“Finally, I extend my utmost gratitude to all of our educators in American Samoa. Thank you for your dedication to our youth and for your passion in the noble profession of teaching.  Every day you play a crucial role in nurturing the minds of our young people, and I thank you for your tireless drive and for making a difference in their lives,” the Congressman concluded.