By Jamesetta D. Williams
Monrovia- The Government of Liberia has announced plans to place 201 volunteer teachers of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) on the national payroll effective October 2026, as part of efforts to address concerns over employment regularization, unpaid salaries, and compensation adjustments.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the affected teachers will receive their October salaries as formally employed government teachers, ending their volunteer status.
The decision brings the total number of verified MCSS volunteer teachers enrolled on the national payroll to 409.
The government said the decision followed consultations and coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Civil Service Agency (CSA), and the Monrovia Consolidated School System.
The announcement comes amid concerns raised by MCSS teachers over their employment status, outstanding salaries, and calls for salary adjustments.
In addition to regularizing the employment status of the volunteer teachers, the government has agreed to settle outstanding retroactive salaries owed to affected MCSS teachers.
The statement said the payments would be made one week after the October salary payment, in line with the eligibility categories of the respective teachers.
The government described the decision as part of its commitment to fulfilling its obligations and ensuring that affected teachers receive their compensation.
Regarding salary adjustments for currently employed MCSS teachers, the government said their concerns would be addressed through the ongoing government-wide Salary Structure Reform.
According to the statement, the reform is intended to correct existing salary disparities, promote fairness and equity, and establish a transparent, consistent, and sustainable compensation system across the public service.
The government said the reform would provide a broader framework for addressing compensation concerns among public servants, including teachers.
However, the statement did not provide a specific timeline for implementing the salary structure reform.
Following the announced measures, the government appealed to MCSS teachers to remain calm and return to their classrooms while the relevant institutions implement the agreed decisions.
It also urged MCSS students to remain in school and continue their academic activities without interruption.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with teachers and protecting their legitimate interests while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of quality education.
The statement was signed by Education Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, who said the government remained committed to improving teachers’ welfare and strengthening Liberia’s educational system.
The government’s announcement represents a step toward addressing the employment and compensation concerns of MCSS teachers, although the implementation of the agreed measures and the broader salary reform will be important in determining how the outstanding issues are resolved.
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