Published: November 14, 2025
BUSHROD ISLAND, MONROVIA — A renovation project at the D. Twe Memorial High School is drawing scrutiny from staff, community members, and education stakeholders, amid claims that the work being carried out under the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) is substandard, poorly supervised, and far below acceptable construction standards.
During a Thursday visit to the New Kru Town campus, The Liberian Investigatorobserved workers de-roofing and repainting sections of the school. However, what initially appeared to be a long-overdue facelift quickly revealed deeper concerns. Old zinc removed from the auditorium was being reinstalled in the administrative offices. Staff described the practice as a “patch job” that undermines the school’s structural integrity.
“They’re supposed to de-roof and re-roof the entire building with new materials,” a school administrator said. “But as you can see, they are recycling old zincs and mixing them with substandard ones.”
The school’s traditional colors, maroon and white, have also been ignored. Portions of the building have been painted brown, creating a jarring contrast with students’ uniforms and raising questions about whether the contractor is following approved specifications. Inside the auditorium, iron pipes have been propped up to hold a sagging ceiling, prompting fears about safety.
The renovation controversy comes amid a worsening administrative rift at MCSS. Documents seen by The Liberian Investigator point to a legal standoff between Acting Superintendent Dr. Auguries Stevens and D. Twe Principal Bishop Peter K. Breeze.
According to school insiders, Principal Breeze raised concerns directly with the renovation crew but was told they were not required to take instructions from him. The dismissive response deepened tensions already simmering over Dr. Stevens’ attempt to reassign Breeze—an action the principal argues violates President Joseph Boakai’s 2024 directive prohibiting acting officials from making major personnel decisions.
“The leadership paralysis at MCSS is affecting the work here,” one staff member said. “There’s no coordination, no accountability. Everyone is pulling in different directions.”
Experts familiar with the school’s history warn that the use of recycled materials could expose the building to rapid deterioration, especially given its proximity to the ocean. Saltwater air has long been a structural threat to D. Twe, and staff fear the newly installed zincs may not survive even a single rainy season.
“In three months, the whole building could start falling apart again,” one employee warned.
As concerns grow, education advocates are demanding a transparent review of the renovation process, including its funding, procurement, material standards, and supervisory chain. Many say the iconic public high school deserves better than what appears to be a rushed, poorly executed project masked as a renovation.
When contacted, MCSS Acting Superintendent Dr. Stevens declined to comment. “I am not speaking with any reporter,” she said.
Discussion about this post