American Samoan education officials are asking staff to be patient, following an announcement the department is in financial trouble.
Education Director Dr. Claire Poumele has told staff that the United States Department of Education has placed all grants on hold and that all local funding will be re-allocated to pay employees.
With travel between American Samoa and the mainland frozen, Dr. Poumele maintains the department has adequate access to school supplies.
The freeze does not affect the department's school lunch, early childhood and transportation divisions.
The US education department had given the American Samoan government until the end of September to submit its audit report for the 2007 fiscal year, a condition of lifting the freeze.
As of today the report had not been recieved by the federal audit clearinghouse.
