Public schools in American Samoa will not open tomorrow as planned but will start the following week on August the 19th.
The Department of Education made the decision to postpone the opening of the new school year in order to properly prepare school facilities for students.
This comes after health officials this morning recommended to the Governor the closure of 12 schools, 10 of which are government schools.
The Department's director, Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin Finau, says they are spending more time to clean and making sure cafeteria, bathroom and campuses are ready for the children.
Health inspections uncovered problems ranging from rodent-infected kitchens with one school having decayed food on the floor, poor water supply, and improper ventilation.
Schools recommended to be shutdown are Fagaitua and Nu'uuli VoTech high schools and Afono, Aua, Pago Pago, Lea'tele in Fagasa, Matafao, Pavaiai, Siliaga and Alofau elementary schools.
Two private schools which were also tagged for closure are St Francis at Leloaloa and Ta'iala Academy in Tafeta.
