Published: October 28, 2026
MONROVIA — The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has announced the enrollment of 409 volunteer teachers on the government payroll, with an additional 133 qualified teachers expected to benefit from salary adjustments under the proposed 2027 national budget, following negotiations aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over teachers’ compensation and welfare.
By Roseline Gbessagee
MCSS Superintendent Dr. Auguries E. Stevens disclosed that the latest batch of 201 volunteer teachers is also expected to receive outstanding retroactive salary payments shortly after the October 2026 payroll is processed.
Speaking Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Stevens said the developments followed consultations with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders to address teachers’ employment conditions and restore normal academic activities.
The announcement comes days after the MCSS Teachers Association called off its go-slow action, allowing teachers to resume classes following disagreements over salaries and other employment-related concerns.
According to Stevens, the enrollment of an additional 201 volunteer teachers brings the total number of verified MCSS volunteer teachers placed on the national payroll to 409.
She described the development as significant progress in addressing the employment and financial challenges confronting teachers within the public school system.
Stevens said the government has further committed to settling outstanding retroactive salaries owed to the latest group of 201 teachers within days of processing the October payroll.
The superintendent disclosed that discussions involving the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Civil Service Agency, House Committee on Education and other stakeholders helped advance efforts to address the teachers’ concerns.
“These engagements reflect ongoing efforts to identify practical, sustainable, and mutually acceptable solutions to teachers’ employment, compensation, and welfare concerns,” Stevens said.
Beyond the payroll enrollment, she announced that the government has agreed to address existing salary disparities among MCSS teachers through the ongoing public-sector salary reform process.
She said 133 qualified teachers are expected to receive salary adjustments consistent with their academic qualifications through the 2027 national budget.
“The MCSS Administration welcomes this commitment as an important step toward promoting fairness, equity, and improved conditions of service within the education sector,” she stated.
Stevens emphasized that the planned adjustments are intended to address compensation disparities affecting qualified teachers and improve their conditions of service.
She also welcomed the decision of the MCSS Teachers Association to suspend its go-slow action, as communicated in an Oct. 23 statement.
According to the superintendent, the resumption of classes is essential to protecting students from further disruptions and ensuring the continuation of academic activities across MCSS schools.
“The resumption of classes is a positive development that will help restore normal academic activities and minimize further disruptions to teaching and learning,” Stevens said.
She stressed that safeguarding instructional time and protecting students’ academic interests remain priorities for the MCSS administration.
Stevens commended teachers for returning to classrooms while discussions continue on outstanding employment and compensation concerns.
“We particularly commend our teachers for their commitment to constructive engagement and their decision to resume work in the best interests of students across the Republic of Liberia,” she added.
The MCSS superintendent also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Civil Service Agency, House Committee on Education, MCSS Board of Trustees and other stakeholders for their roles in addressing the dispute.
However, Stevens acknowledged that some concerns remain unresolved despite the progress made in payroll enrollment, salary commitments and negotiations.
“Nevertheless, we remain confident that sustained engagement, constructive dialogue, and good-faith negotiations provide the most effective path toward resolving outstanding issues while ensuring that our students do not suffer further academic setbacks,” she stated.
She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, protecting their professional interests and strengthening cooperation with education stakeholders.
Stevens said the administration would continue working with relevant government institutions to pursue lasting solutions to compensation and employment concerns while maintaining access to quality and affordable education.
She called on teachers, students, parents, guardians and other stakeholders to support efforts to restore stability across the school system.
“Together, let us put our students first, uphold the dignity of the teaching profession, and pursue lasting solutions through responsible leadership, mutual understanding, and constructive dialogue,” Stevens said.
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