By: Aaron Kubahn
Monrovia, Liberia – The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), the government body responsible for managing schools in Monrovia, is facing a deepening administrative crisis that has drawn the attention of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and sparked widespread concern among teachers and employees.
According to documents obtained by DN News Liberia, the CSA has formally accused the Acting Superintendent of the MCSS, Dr. Augurine E. Stevens, of multiple violations of established public service procedures and of disregarding a presidential directive that limits the authority of acting heads of government institutions.
In a letter dated September 5, 2025, signed by Deputy Director-General for Human Resource Management and Policy, Darlington A. P. Smith, the CSA outlined several breaches attributed to Dr. Stevens. The agency said it has received numerous complaints from employees of the MCSS who accused her of engaging in unlawful transfers, intimidating staff, disrupting payroll operations, and fostering a climate of fear and confusion among teachers and administrators.
The CSA noted that Dr. Stevens had allegedly transferred employees into departments and positions for which they lacked experience or qualifications, while also bypassing Civil Service procedures to alter payroll systems without authorization. The letter further stated that she had been accused of threatening employees, removing their names from signing records, delaying official human resource submissions to the government, reinstating individuals who were previously dismissed for grave offenses, and consistently violating the standing orders of the Civil Service and the Revised HR Policy Manual.
According to the CSA, these actions have undermined cooperation within the MCSS and created widespread tension among principals, teachers, and other employees. The agency added that Dr. Stevens’ continued violation of the November 28, 2024 presidential directive issued by President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., has worsened instability within the institution. That directive had clarified the limited role and authority of acting heads of ministries, agencies, and commissions.
The Civil Service Agency confirmed receiving formal complaints from several senior figures and departments within the MCSS, including the Human Resource Director, Madam Korpo Davis, the MCSS Teachers Association, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Madam Sonita Dangan, Payroll Analyst Madam Eunice D. Smallwood, and employee Mr. Nehemiah T. Norloh. These complainants accused the Acting Superintendent of abuse of power, intimidation, unlawful transfers, and violations of the Decent Work Act.
In response to the growing number of grievances, the CSA invited Dr. Stevens to a meeting on August 20, 2025, to address the allegations and review the series of controversial decisions taken under her administration. During that meeting, the CSA determined that all staff transfers made by the Acting Superintendent did not comply with established Civil Service standards. Dr. Stevens reportedly maintained that her actions were authorized by the MCSS Board, but the CSA rejected that justification and reaffirmed that all personnel matters within the civil service must strictly conform to government procedures.
The meeting minutes also revealed that Dr. Stevens admitted to restricting senior officials, including Madam Sonita Dangan, from participating in high-level meetings. She further accused Human Resource Director Korpo Davis of incompetence and alleged that some official documents bearing her signature were forged. In response, the CSA advised her to authenticate all future communications by using an official seal and direct verification with the Agency’s Director-General.
The Civil Service Agency also stated that it would not recognize any action taken by the MCSS that violates civil service rules. It urged the Acting Superintendent to reverse all unauthorized staff transfers and restore employees to their original roles. The Agency further clarified that Madam Davis remains the legitimate Human Resource Director of the MCSS, while another staff, Madam Wollor, may only serve as a liaison between the HR Department and the Superintendent.
In an interesting twist, court documents from the Bushrod Island Magisterial Court reveal that the MCSS, through Acting Superintendent Dr. Stevens, recently filed a case against a school official identified as Mr. Peter K. Breeze.
The complaint accused Breeze of felonious restraint and physical obstruction of government function after he allegedly locked the office of the newly appointed principal of D. Tweh High School and refused to turn over the keys, thereby obstructing official duties. The writ of summons was issued on October 29, 2025, instructing police authorities to investigate the matter.
The latest developments come amid mounting reports of internal conflict between Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Emmanuel Kyne Robertson, and MCSS Schools Administrators who has been accused by several teachers of arrogance, harassment, and targeting employees loyal to suspended Superintendent James Momoh.
Multiple sources within the MCSS told DN News that Robertson, reportedly operating with the backing of Dr. Stevens, has publicly insulted administrators and assigned principals to unofficial roles as part of what they describe as “a witch-hunt” against those aligned with the former leadership.
When contacted for comment, the MCSS Public Relations Officer declined to speak, saying he was “not authorized to discuss administrative matters.”
The Civil Service Agency, in its correspondence, emphasized that the ongoing situation at the MCSS undermines the goals of the civil service and runs contrary to President Boakai’s call for collaboration, discipline, and professionalism across government entities. The agency reiterated that adherence to established administrative standards is crucial to ensuring a functional, ethical, and efficient public service system.
As the CSA continues its probe into the leadership of Dr. Stevens, tension remains high among teachers and staff of the MCSS. Many fear that the administrative disorder could further disrupt school operations and affect the quality of education across Monrovia’s public schools.
Efforts to reach Dr. Stevens could not materialize. She failed to reply to DN News’ request for inquiry
