Liberia: MCSS Touts Infrastructure Gains, Payroll Relief for 459 Volunteer Teachers Amid Persistent Challenges

What the report says

Monrovia Consolidated School System Superintendent Augurie E. Stevens says the public school network in Liberia’s capital has secured funding for a set of improvements aimed at easing long-running problems in classrooms and administration. Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular briefing in Monrovia, she said the work includes rehabilitation of several schools, expansion of scholarship support and upgrades to office systems.

According to the report from The Liberian Investigator, MCSS has funding for renovations at Anna F. Whisnant Elementary School, Monrovia Elementary Demonstration School, D. Twe Memorial High School and St. Paul Bridge Elementary and Junior High School. Additional projects are planned for Matilda Newport Junior High School, Boastwain Junior and Senior High School and G.W. Gibson High School. The system has also begun work to elevate N.V. Massaquoi Elementary and Junior High School to senior high status, while a new annex at Pipeline Junior and Senior High School is expected to add classrooms, an auditorium and offices.

Stevens also said more than 459 volunteer teachers are being moved onto the government payroll, although the process still requires re-verification and other personnel steps. She described the change as important relief for teachers who have been working without regular pay. The administration also says it has secured support for tuition and travel for 19 international scholarship students in India and has awarded International Baccalaureate scholarships to 11 other students.

The superintendent said MCSS is also introducing digital tools, including an official website and an employee management system, to improve records, transparency and accountability. She acknowledged that overcrowding, weak infrastructure, limited resources and teacher welfare remain major challenges, but said the reforms are meant to strengthen public education in Monrovia.