MCSS Secures Funding for School Renovations, Moves 459 Volunteer Teachers to Payroll, Advances Digital Reforms

MCSS Secures Funding for School Renovations, Moves 459 Volunteer Teachers to Payroll, Advances Digital Reforms

BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.

MONROVIA, Liberia — The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has secured government funding to renovate several public schools, initiated the transition of 459 volunteer teachers to the national payroll, and launched digital reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and service delivery across the school system.

MCSS Superintendent Dr. Augurie E. Stevens disclosed the developments Tuesday during the Ministry of Information’s Regular Press Briefing, describing the initiatives as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at restoring public confidence and improving the quality of education within the school system.

According to Dr. Stevens, with support from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, MCSS secured funding in 2025 for the renovation of Anna F. Whisnant Elementary School, Monrovia Elementary Demonstration School, D. Twe Memorial High School, and St. Paul Bridge Elementary and Junior High School.

She said additional funding has been earmarked for the rehabilitation and modernization of Matilda Newport Junior High School, Boatswain Junior and Senior High School, and G.W. Gibson High School.

Dr. Stevens also disclosed that MCSS has broken ground for the elevation of N.V. Massaquoi Elementary and Junior High School to Senior High School.

At Pipeline Junior and Senior High School, she said construction is underway on a new annex comprising six classrooms, an auditorium, and administrative offices.

At the same time, the MCSS Central Office is undergoing major refurbishment, including re-roofing, fence renovation, conference room upgrades, air-conditioning installation, and the construction of a modern cafeteria.

According to Dr. Stevens, major component of the reform agenda is addressing the long-standing issue of volunteer teachers. Dr. Stevens said, through engagement with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, fundings were secured to transition more than 459 volunteer teachers onto the MCSS payroll.

She added that the government provided funding for tuition and return airfare for 19 MCSS international scholarship teachers who have completed their studies abroad.

Additionally, the MCSS Superintendent noted that 11 MCSS students are currently pursuing International Baccalaureate studies at Our Lady of Grace International School through scholarships facilitated by the Ministry of Education.

According to Dr. Stevens, MCSS has also launched a new Early Childhood Development program at Abendu Bentsi Elementary, Junior and Senior High School, marking another step toward expanding early learning opportunities within the MCSS system.

To address child protection and emerging social challenges, MCSS, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has established a Gender Office. The office will focus on gender-related concerns, child protection, and rising cases of drug and substance abuse among students.

Dr. Stevens further disclosed that, with support from Representative Prince Toles, MCSS is advancing plans to establish a mobile clinic at an MCSS school or the Central Office to provide emergency medical assistance to students and staff.

Despite the progress, the Superintendent acknowledged that MCSS continues to face challenges, including infrastructure deficits, overcrowding, limited resources, and concerns surrounding teacher welfare.

“Our vision is to build an MCSS that is modern, accountable, inclusive, and professionally managed, capable of delivering quality public education to every child,” Dr. Stevens said.
The reforms, she added, are intended to strengthen the management of MCSS while creating a more effective and responsive public education system for students, teachers, and communities across Monrovia.