By Grace Q. Bryant
The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has strongly condemned recent allegations made by former Spoon Network CEO, Stanton Witherspoon, calling them “false and misleading.”
The school system described Witherspoon’s claims as “diabolical, unfounded, and malicious falsehoods” aimed at tarnishing the reputation of its superintendent, James Momoh.
Speaking at a press conference recently at the MCSS headquarters in Monrovia, MCSS Communications Director, Samuel Nyenuh refuted Witherspoon’s statements, particularly the claim that some teachers within the system were “ghost teachers.”
He insisted that all teachers being advocated for are real individuals and not fabricated names.
Nyenuh also dismissed Witherspoon’s assertion that Superintendent Momoh requested a loan from MCSS’s Human Resources (HR) Department.
He emphasized that Momoh’s assets, as declared on his official “Asset Declaration Form,” amount to over US$200,000.
Given his standing as a high-profile official, Nyenuh argued that Momoh could easily secure a loan from any bank in Liberia rather than resorting to borrowing from the HR Department.
Nyenuh urged Witherspoon to verify the authenticity of information before broadcasting it to the public.
He warned that misleading claims could damage the credibility of Spoon Network and its widely viewed and listened to program, Spoon Talk.
“The media play a crucial role in shaping public perception. We call on journalists to ensure accuracy and avoid being used by individuals with ulterior motives,” he expressed.
Addressing concerns about volunteer teachers, Nyenuh provided a breakdown of those being advocated for, explaining that they are not just educators but also include essential staff members such as security personnel, caretakers, vocational instructors, guidance counselors, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.
He disclosed that there are two new schools added to the existing 25 schools under MCSS, pointing to the elevation of the Boatswain Junior High and the Abedu Bentsi Junior High to senior high school status.
He further explained the replacement of 15 teachers sent to India for specialized training in high school subjects with volunteer teachers.
“MCSS has fully taken over the Accelerated Vocational Training Program (AVTP) at Tubman High, formerly run by the Ministry of Education, where 98% of teachers are volunteers and the System has recruited volunteer teachers to fill vacancies left by over 50 recently pensioned teachers,” he said.
He also briefed the press about the replacement of teachers who have passed away, fallen critically ill, resigned, traveled abroad, or abandoned their positions.
According to him, the MCSS is responsible for ensuring quality education, managing school operations, and overseeing curriculum implementation. It plays a critical role in addressing Liberia’s educational challenges, including limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and the need for modern teaching techniques.
The system collaborates with the Liberian government and international partners to improve educational standards and expand access to learning opportunities.
In response to the controversy, MCSS called on individuals who are in the habit of spreading false and misleading information to Witherspoon for selfish reasons to desist, warning that they risk exposure. Nyenuh reaffirmed MCSS’s commitment to transparency and its focus on advancing the government’s education agenda.
“We remain dedicated to our mission of providing quality education for Liberian students. No amount of misinformation will deter us from this goal,” he concluded.