MONROVIA – The employees of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) have given President Joseph Nyuma Boakai a seven-day ultimatum to recall Mr. Emmanuel Kyne Robertson, the volunteer Assistant Superintendent of MCSS. This demand was made public in a press statement on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, signed by Executive Secretary Emmanuel M. Dickson and approved by the union’s President, Augustine N. Nyormui.
The employees argue that President Boakai’s appointment of Mr. Robertson violates the MCSS’s governing laws, specifically Chapter 2, Section 24d of the 1964 MCSS Act, which places the responsibility of hiring all staff, including the Assistant Superintendent, on the MCSS Superintendent, subject to approval by the MCSS Council. They assert that Mr. Robertson’s appointment bypassed these procedures and was done in clear violation of the Act.
Additionally, the statement points out that the position of Assistant Superintendent is a civil service role, and Mr. Robertson has not received an official appointment letter from the President. Despite being unpaid since March of this year, he continues to occupy the position, sign important documents, attend stakeholder meetings, and execute official duties, while the former Assistant Superintendent, Hon. Samuel M. Johnson, remains on the payroll.
The employees accuse Mr. Robertson of gross disrespect toward the MCSS’s constituted authorities, alleging that he has introduced external elements to intimidate workers and instigated students to denigrate school officials. His actions, according to the statement, have led to confusion and unrest within the system, with employees frequently facing unnecessary disruptions.
Further concerns about Mr. Robertson’s competence were raised, particularly his failure to organize a teachers’ workshop since assuming office in March 2024. The employees believe this reflects his lack of professionalism and administrative skills. Moreover, they point to a controversial decision where Mr. Robertson reinstated a teacher accused of sexual harassment and extortion at William V.S. Tubman High School, ignoring the previous administration’s disciplinary actions against the individual.
The statement also criticized Mr. Robertson’s public conduct, accusing him of holding unauthorized press conferences and attacking MCSS leadership through various media outlets. The employees highlighted an incident where Mr. Robertson allegedly undermined the partnership between MCSS and Orange Liberia, a collaboration aimed at improving infrastructure and providing opportunities for teachers and students.
While expressing satisfaction with the appointment of Superintendent James A.S. Momoh by President Boakai in March 2024, the MCSS workers emphasized that their collaboration with Superintendent Momoh’s administration does not extend to working with Mr. Robertson. They praised Momoh as an exceptional leader, noting his strong performance and decent character.
The employees have given President Boakai until Wednesday, August 21, 2024, to recall Mr. Robertson or face possible further actions from the MCSS staff. The ultimatum has raised concerns about potential disruption to the school system if the issue remains unresolved.
