The President of the Federation of American Samoa Educators is asking government leaders to resolve problems in schools first, before giving themselves a raise.
The Legislature is reviewing $10,000 increases in expense allowances for lawmakers, and a bill to raise the governor and lieutenant governor's salaries to $125,000 and $100,000 respectively.
But Peni Ben Te'o, who's also the Principal of Leone High School, has delivered a letter to the Governor's office with a list of areas where he'd rather the money be spent.
He says there are not enough teachers, buses or bus drivers, or enough desks in schools and no money to pay service contracts for air conditioners and copiers.
"That's just the tip of the iceberg, the nurses are screaming for help, the low pay they have there's not enough nurses, also the firemen and the policemen, they're in the same category."
Peni Ben Te'o says he is speaking out for the sake of the public, especially the children.
