The President of the Monrovia Consolidated School System Teachers Association (MCSSTA), Augustine Nyormui, has announced a strike across public schools under the MCSS, saying teachers will not resume classroom instruction until the government fully implements a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 27, 2025.
By: Gegee Brima – alhajigegeebrima@gmail.com
Nyormui made the announcement following an emergency mass meeting and general assembly, during which teachers reportedly voted to adopt several resolutions, including a demand for the resignation or dismissal of MCSS Superintendent Dr. Steven E. Augurie.
The association said its demands are non-negotiable and include full implementation of the 2025 agreement, salary increases for qualified teachers who have gone four to five years without promotion or salary increments, and the integration of volunteer teachers into the government payroll.
Teachers Demand Salary Increases and Better School Facilities
The teachers are also proposing a monthly salary of US$700 for bachelor’s degree holders, US$1,000 for master’s degree holders, and up to US$2,000 for school principals.
The association is further calling for direct funding to provide teaching materials and repair school facilities.
According to Nyormui, only three of the 26 MCSS schools—G.W. Gibson High School, Matadi Community Junior High School, and Tubman High/Boersware—are undergoing renovation, while the remaining 23 schools require significant attention.
Describing the financial difficulties facing educators, Nyormui disclosed that his monthly salary is US$195, in addition to L$10,000, which he said is insufficient to meet basic living expenses.
He also recounted having to step out briefly during the meeting to secure a loan to take his sick child to a clinic.
“We are not even asking for $2,000 or $3,000. We are just asking for small money,” Nyormui said, stressing the need for improved compensation and working conditions for teachers and school administrators.
He argued that school principals carry responsibilities comparable to those of directors in government ministries and should not be expected to perform their duties under difficult conditions without adequate support.
MCSSTA Denies Allegations Against Teachers
Nyormui also rejected allegations reportedly made by Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Daniel Sando that teachers were encouraging students to stage street protests.
The MCSSTA president maintained that teachers had acted professionally during the ongoing go-slow action and denied any involvement in organising student demonstrations.
He criticised the deputy minister’s reported comments, arguing that public officials should exercise professionalism when addressing grievances raised by educators.
Students Told to Stay Home as Talks Continue
As part of its directives, the MCSSTA leadership has advised students to remain at home until the dispute between the teachers and the government is resolved.
Teachers, meanwhile, have been instructed to report to their respective school campuses and sign the daily attendance register but refrain from conducting classes.
The association said it would formally submit the resolutions adopted at the general assembly to the Ministry of Education and the MCSS Superintendent’s office on Monday.
A meeting between the teachers’ association leadership and the Minister of Education is scheduled for next Thursday as efforts continue to address the dispute.
The planned meeting could provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss the teachers’ demands and the implementation of the March 2025 agreement.
However, the association has maintained that classroom instruction will remain suspended until its concerns are addressed.
