By Jamesetta D. Williams
Monrovia-The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has welcomed the return of teachers to the classes while announcing that an additional 201 volunteer teachers have been enrolled on the government’s payroll, bringing the total number of MCSS volunteer teachers added to the payroll to 4,209.
The development follows engagements between the government and education stakeholders aimed at addressing teachers’ concerns over employment, salary disparities, compensation and general welfare.
MCSS Superintendent Dr. Augurie E. Stevens told reporters Tuesday at the Ministry of Information the latest development represents progress toward resolving longstanding concerns raised by teachers.
Stevens disclosed that the government has also committed to paying outstanding retroactive salaries to the latest group of 201 volunteer teachers shortly after the October 2026 payroll is processed.
She said the commitment is part of ongoing efforts to address the financial concerns of affected teachers.
The superintendent explained that the progress follows consultations involving the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education, the MCSS Board of Trustees and other relevant stakeholders.
She said the engagements have focused on finding practical and sustainable solutions to teachers’ employment, compensation and welfare concerns.
Stevens also disclosed that the government has agreed to address salary disparities among serving MCSS teachers through the ongoing public sector salary reform process.
She added that the salaries of 133 qualified teachers are expected to be adjusted in line with their academic qualifications through the 2027 national budget.
According to her, the planned adjustments are intended to promote fairness, equity and improved conditions of service within the education sector.
The MCSS superintendent welcomed the government’s commitment, describing it as an important step toward addressing concerns about unequal compensation among teachers.
However, she acknowledged that some issues remain unresolved, stressing that sustained engagement and good-faith negotiations will be necessary to reach lasting solutions.
The MCSS administration has also welcomed the decision by the MCSS Teachers Association to call off its industrial action and resume classes.
In a statement dated October 23, 2026, the teachers’ association announced its decision following progress made through engagements with government authorities and other stakeholders.
Stevens said the decision to resume classes would help restore normal academic activities and minimize further disruptions to teaching and learning.
She emphasized the importance of protecting instructional time and ensuring that students do not continue to suffer academic setbacks because of disputes over teachers’ welfare.
The superintendent commended the teachers for their willingness to engage constructively with the government and their decision to return to work in the interest of students and the country.
She also expressed appreciation to the ministers of Education and Finance and Development Planning, the Civil Service Agency, the House Committee on Education, the MCSS Board of Trustees and other stakeholders who contributed to efforts to resolve the impasse.
Despite the progress announced, Stevens said the MCSS administration recognizes that some teachers’ concerns remain unresolved.
She maintained that continued dialogue, responsible leadership and mutual understanding offer the most effective means of addressing the outstanding issues while protecting students’ academic interests.
The superintendent reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting teachers’ welfare and professional interests while fulfilling its responsibility to promote quality and affordable education.
She also called on teachers, students, parents, guardians and other education stakeholders to remain united in pursuing a common goal of improving the education system and securing a brighter future for the next generation.
Stevens stressed the need to uphold the dignity of the teaching profession and pursue lasting solutions through constructive engagement.
“Together, we put our students first, uphold the dignity of the teaching profession and pursue lasting solutions through responsible leadership, mutual understanding and constructive dialogue,” she said.
The latest developments come as the government and education stakeholders continue efforts to address concerns surrounding teachers’ employment, compensation and working conditions within the MCSS.
The administration expressed hope that continued cooperation among all parties would help resolve the remaining issues and ensure uninterrupted teaching and learning for students.
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