Published: August 12, 2026
MONROVIA — Monrovia Consolidated School System Superintendent Augurie E. Stevens says the institution has secured funding to rehabilitate several schools, move more than 459 volunteer teachers onto the government payroll, expand scholarship opportunities and modernize administrative systems as part of a broader effort to improve public education in the capital.
Stevens said the gains come despite persistent challenges ranging from overcrowded classrooms and infrastructure deficits to teacher welfare concerns, limited resources and weak institutional systems.
“Significant challenges remain, including infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, teacher welfare concerns, student needs, limited resources, and the need for stronger institutional systems,” she said.
Stevens made the disclosure Tuesday, Aug. 11, during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, where she outlined what she described as measurable progress since assuming leadership of MCSS.
She said her administration has focused on strengthening accountability, improving school infrastructure, supporting teachers and students, modernizing administration and restoring public confidence in the school system.
“With support from the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, MCSS secured funding in 2025 to renovate the Anna F. Whisnant Elementary School, the Monrovia Elementary Demonstration School, D. Twe Memorial High School, and St. Paul Bridge Elementary and Junior High School,” Stevens said.
She said additional funding has been secured for the rehabilitation and modernization of Matilda Newport Junior High School, Boastwain Junior and Senior High School and G.W. Gibson High School.
Stevens also disclosed that MCSS has broken ground for the elevation of N.V. Massaquoi Elementary and Junior High School to a senior high school.
At Pipeline Junior and Senior High School, she said construction of an annex is expected to add six classrooms, an auditorium and offices.
“The MCSS central office is also undergoing major refurbishment, including re-roofing, fence renovation, conference room improvements, installation of air conditioners, and construction of a modern cafeteria,” she added.
The superintendent said the infrastructure projects form part of an effort to ease overcrowding, improve the learning environment and modernize facilities across the school system.
Stevens said one of the most significant inherited challenges was the large number of volunteer teachers working within MCSS without formal placement on the government payroll.
She said engagement with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has resulted in funding being secured to transition more than 459 volunteer teachers onto the MCSS payroll.
The process, she said, will be subject to re-verification and other required personnel procedures before the teachers are formally placed on payroll.
The move could provide long-awaited relief for hundreds of educators who have continued teaching despite lacking regular government compensation.
Stevens also highlighted expanded scholarship opportunities for MCSS students and teachers.
“MCSS also successfully completed the 2025–2026 academic year. Government funding has been secured to cover tuition for 19 MCSS international scholarship students and return airfare upon completion of their studies in India,” she said.
“These teachers who have returned will be assigned to various schools to apply the requisite knowledge and skills they acquired, thereby enhancing the academic success of our students.”
She also disclosed that 11 MCSS students received International Baccalaureate scholarships through the Ministry of Education and are currently studying at the Lady of Grace International School.
Stevens thanked Education Minister Jarso M. Jallah for supporting the scholarship initiative.
The superintendent said MCSS is also advancing efforts to modernize its administrative and personnel systems.
She announced that the institution now has an official website developed through its Department of Information Technology.
“We are also advancing the development of the MCSS Employee Management System, which will establish the institution’s first comprehensive digital employee database,” she said.
According to Stevens, the system is expected to improve personnel management and provide more reliable employee records across the institution.
“The system will strengthen personnel management, transparency, accountability, record-keeping, and evidence-based decision-making. Unlimited internet service has also been installed at the MCSS central office, with further connectivity interventions being considered for our schools,” Stevens added.
She said the digital reforms are intended to strengthen accountability and reduce long-standing weaknesses in personnel management and institutional record-keeping.
Stevens said her administration’s broader vision is to build an MCSS that is modern, accountable, inclusive, professionally managed and capable of delivering quality public education to every child entrusted to its care.
“We are making progress, and we remain committed to doing more,” she said.
The superintendent extended appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and several government institutions, including the ministries of Finance and Development Planning; Education; and Gender, Children and Social Protection.
She also thanked the Internal Audit Agency, General Services Agency, members of the Legislature, development partners, school administrators, teachers, parents and communities for their support.
“The progress made so far demonstrates our commitment to building a stronger, more accountable, modern, and student-centered Monrovia Consolidated School System,” Stevens asserted.
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