Published: November 5, 2025
Dr. Augurie E. Stevens, Acting Superintendent of MCSS
MONROVIA – The Monrovia Consolidated School System’s (MCSS) crises appear to be far from over as another internal conflict has ensued, raising concerns about another possible explosion which could again delay the learning of students.
The acting Superintendent Dr. Augurie E. Stevens faces allegations of administrative overreach, illegal staff transfers, and violations of President Joseph Boakai’s directive limiting the powers of acting officials. The controversy deepened after Bishop Peter K. Breeze, principal of the D. Twe Memorial High School, challenged his reported transfer by Dr. Stevens, describing it as “illegal and in direct violation of the President’s order.”
His resistance has led to a legal showdown, with Dr. Stevens dragging him to court for alleged “felonious restraint and obstruction of government function.
Boakai’s Directive on Acting Officials
On November 28, 2024, President Boakai issued a directive restricting acting heads of ministries, agencies, and commissions from making major policy or personnel decisions without prior approval. The order followed reports that some interim officials had taken unilateral actions disrupting policy continuity and undermining institutional leadership. The directive clearly states that acting heads “are authorized only to execute financial, personnel, and policy decisions pre-approved by the substantive head before their departure.”
It also mandates that any major decision in the absence of a permanent head must first be approved by the President. Despite this, reports indicate that Dr. Stevens, who also serves as Vice President for Academic Support Services at the African Methodist Episcopal University, allegedly continued to make unilateral personnel changes and transfers since assuming the MCSS acting leadership in June 2025 following the suspension of Superintendent James A. S. Momoh. Momoh was suspended without pay pending investigation into alleged financial and administrative misconduct, including unauthorized contracts and governance breaches.
Mounting Tension and Legal Fallout
The dispute between Dr. Stevens and Bishop Breeze escalated when the acting superintendent allegedly issued a verbal order for the principal to vacate his position and report to the central MCSS office on 12th Street, Sinkor, for reassignment. Breeze, however, refused to comply, asserting that “an acting superintendent does not have the authority to transfer or reassign principals” under civil service regulations and the President’s directive.
In response, a writ of summons issued by Associate Magistrate B.S. Gartor Kreku on October 29 accused Breeze of “felonious restraint and obstruction of government function.” The principal appeared in court on October 31, as the case continues.
Civil Service Agency Steps
In The Civil Service Agency (CSA) has intervened, warning Dr. Stevens to desist from overstepping her authority. In a strongly worded letter dated September 5, 2025, CSA Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr. cited multiple complaints from MCSS staff, accusing Stevens of violating civil service protocols and creating “tension and administrative disorder” within the system. “It appears you have ignored the President’s directive and continue to act beyond your authority,” Joekai wrote. “Your actions—including unauthorized staff transfers and intimidation of employees—undermine the spirit of collaboration that the President continues to promote.”
The CSA also cited complaints from senior staff, including Human Resource Director Korpo Davis, Curriculum Director Sonita Dangan, and Payroll Analyst Eunice Smallwood, who accused Dr. Stevens of misconduct, intimidation, and interference with payroll operations. Joekai emphasized that adherence to established procedures was essential to preserve professionalism and order within the public service.
“The ongoing tension at MCSS raises serious concerns requiring immediate corrective action,” he warned. Ongoing Court Battle and Institutional Unrest As the legal battle between Dr. Stevens and Bishop Breeze continues, tensions remain high among MCSS staff and administrators. The Civil Service Agency is expected to follow up with further action if violations persist, amid growing calls from educators and civil servants for the President’s directive to be fully enforced. Both parties were scheduled to reappear in court on Tuesday, November 4, as uncertainty continues to cloud leadership at the nation’s largest public school system.
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