The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has secured government funding to renovate several public schools and begun the process of transitioning 459 volunteer teachers onto its payroll as part of a broader reform program aimed at improving public education in Monrovia.
MCSS Superintendent Dr. Augurie E. Stevens disclosed the developments Tuesday during the Ministry of Information’s Regular Press Briefing, saying the initiatives are intended to strengthen transparency, accountability and service delivery across the school system.
Dr. Stevens said MCSS, with support from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, 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.
According to the Superintendent, MCSS has also 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, construction is underway on an annex containing six classrooms, an auditorium and administrative offices.
The MCSS Central Office is also undergoing major refurbishment, including re-roofing, fence renovation, upgrades to the conference room, installation of air-conditioning systems and construction of a modern cafeteria.
Dr. Stevens said addressing the long-standing issue of volunteer teachers remains a major component of the school system’s reform agenda.
Through engagement with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, she said funding has been secured to transition more than 459 volunteer teachers onto the MCSS payroll.
She said the government has also provided funding for tuition and return airfare for 19 MCSS international scholarship teachers who have completed their studies abroad.
In addition, 11 MCSS students are currently pursuing International Baccalaureate studies at Our Lady of Grace International School through scholarships facilitated by the Ministry of Education.
Dr. Stevens also announced the launch of a new Early Childhood Development program at Abendu Bentsi Elementary, Junior and Senior High School, expanding early learning opportunities within the MCSS system.
To address child protection and emerging social challenges affecting students, MCSS has established a Gender Office in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The office will focus on gender-related concerns, child protection and growing cases of drug and substance abuse among students.
The Superintendent further disclosed that MCSS, with support from Representative Prince Toles, is advancing plans to establish a mobile clinic at an MCSS school or the Central Office to provide emergency medical services to students and staff.
Despite the developments, Dr. Stevens acknowledged that MCSS continues to face significant challenges, including infrastructure deficits, overcrowding, limited resources and concerns over teacher welfare.
She said the ongoing reforms are aimed at transforming the school system into a more modern and professionally managed institution capable of providing quality public education.
“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.
She added that the reforms 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.
