The Plenary of the 55th House of Representatives has summoned key stakeholders of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) to a hearing on Wednesday, October 21, at 11:00 a.m., as lawmakers move to address mounting concerns affecting the public school system.
The hearing will bring together MCSS Superintendent Dr. Augurie E. Stevens, representatives of the MCSS Teachers Association, the students’ union, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and other relevant authorities.
The engagement will be conducted by the House Committees on Education; Claims and Petitions; and Ways, Means and Finance to examine the issues confronting the school system and seek appropriate interventions.
The House’s intervention comes as the MCSS Students’ Union formally petitions the Government of Liberia and relevant authorities to address what it describes as persistent challenges affecting students’ welfare, teaching and learning, school infrastructure, and administrative stability.
In a petition dated October 20, the students’ union announced its intention to proceed with peaceful protest action following the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Government.
The Union outlined four major demands: the full implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the MCSS on March 27, 2026; the dismissal of Assistant Superintendent Emmanuel Kyne Robertson; an end to the alleged use of students in administrative and political disputes; and an increase in the MCSS budget.
According to the students, unresolved issues affecting teachers continue to deprive them of valuable instructional time, while inadequate facilities in several schools undermine the quality of public education.
The Union called for urgent implementation of the outstanding commitments under the MOU, arguing that students should not continue to suffer educational setbacks because of unresolved disputes involving teachers and the relevant authorities.
The petition also demands the dismissal of Assistant Superintendent Robertson over allegations of inciting students, disrupting classes, and threatening students.
The Union further raised concerns about an alleged incident involving individuals reportedly sent to attack its president. It called on the Government and the Ministry of Education to investigate the allegations and ensure the protection of students and student leaders.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
The students also expressed concern that disagreements among MCSS administrators were drawing students into administrative and political disputes, urging officials to resolve their differences through dialogue and established procedures.
On school infrastructure, the Union acknowledged renovation work at Boatswain Junior and Senior High School, G.W. Gibson Senior High School, and Matilda Newport Junior High School.
However, it maintained that several other schools continue to face poor infrastructure, inadequate classrooms, insufficient furniture, and shortages of essential learning facilities.
The students are calling for increased budgetary allocations to support renovations, improve sanitation, provide learning materials, and create safer learning environments. They also want greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds allocated to education.
Earlier on Tuesday, MCSS Superintendent Dr. Augurie E. Stevens appeared before the Plenary of the 55th House of Representatives to address the situation within the school system.
The planned hearing on Wednesday is expected to bring the superintendent, teachers’ representatives, students, education officials, and financial authorities together to discuss the issues and consider possible solutions.
The students’ petition and the threatened protest now form part of the broader concerns confronting the MCSS as the Legislature engages the relevant stakeholders.
The Union said its intended protest would focus on restoring teaching and learning, protecting students, promoting accountability, and improving conditions across public schools.
