PHOTO: Dr. Augurie Stevens, MCSS Supt speaking shortly after her induction
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The newly appointed Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System has disclosed that her administration will endeavor to restore the credibility, strengthen the systems and deliver measure outcomes in pursuing five guiding priorities at the MCSS.
Dr. Augurie Stevens disclosed that the first on her agenda is strengthen internal control, professionalize administration, and ensure that decisions are rule-based, lawful and transparent. The new MCSS boss is taking over the main public school system in the Liberian capital after it was rocked by a major corruption scandal that saw the removal of its top managment.
Dr. Stevens made the disclosure when she was officially inducted as Superintendent of the MCSS by the Minister of Education, Jarso Jallah in Monrovia during the weekend.
She added that she would work with the government and partners to address legitimate welfare concern, regularize qualified teachers, and restore the dignity to the teaching profession.
Dr. Stevens assured the public that her administration at the MCSS would ensure reforms by deepening collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Parents- Teachers Association, student leadership and development partners
The MCSS Superintendent noted that the system under her leadership would measure progress not by promises, but by outcomes because attendance, learning continuity, administrative efficiency and financial compliances will guide her performance benchmark; because the MCSS will be result-driven, not excuse-driven
Performing the induction on behalf of President Joseph Boakai, Education Minister, Dr. Jarso Jallah, said the induction ceremony is not just filling a seat of authority but igniting a new chapter at the MCSS.
According to Minister Jallah, the MCSS is the heart beat of Monrovia’s future because every classroom under the system is a laboratory where the next generation of the Liberian politicians, educators, leaders and engineers are be formed.
“To lead such an institution requires more than just administrative skills because it requires the heart for service and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” Dr. Jallah said; adding: “that is the person in whom President Boakai has put his confidence.”
Minister Jallah maintained that in Dr. Stevens, “we have found a leader who understands that education is great equalizer and her appointment comes at the time when schools must evolve to meet the demand of global digital economy while still rooted in our values and culture”
The Education Minister charged the MCSS Superintendent with cardinal principles including academic integrity, teacher empowerment and infrastructural renovation
For his part, the Chairman of the MCSS Board of Directors, John Siafa-Charuk, assured Superintendent Stevens of the board’s fullest cooperation in the discharge of her duties.
The program, which was held at the auditorium of the William V S Tubman High School in Sinkor, was graced by Madam Mary Nyumah, President of the National Teachers Association of Liberia, Principals of various MCSS schools, students, friends and relatives.