Pleebo DEO Proposes New Extension Night School

Pleebo DEO Proposes New Extension Night School

By: Gareyson Neufville

Pleebo District Education Officer, Melvin Krayee, has proposed the closure of the New Pleebo Extension Night School in Maryland county, citing critically low student enrollment as the primary reason since its inception.

According to him, the institution, located in the New Pleebo Community, currently has only 57 students being taught by 16 government-paid teachers. He described this staffing ratio as “highly unsustainable and inefficient.” In contrast, the main New Pleebo High School operates with just 12 teachers serving over 1,000 students throughout the academic year.

In an exclusive interview with this contributor, the Pleebo District Education Officer disclosed that the  recommendation has been submitted through the Maryland County Education Office to the Ministry of Education. Mr. Krayee emphasized that while the night school once provided a vital opportunity for adult learners and out-of-school youth, interest has sharply declined over recent years. Despite outreach efforts, enrollment has not improved.

“With only 57 students and 16 payroll teachers, the government is essentially spending far more per student than it does at fully enrolled schools,” Mr. Krayee explained. “That’s not justifiable, especially when other schools in the district serve many more students with fewer teachers.”

Mr. Krayee expressed hope that his recommendation will take effect at the start of the 2025/2026 academic year. He noted that, pending the school’s closure, the 16 government-paid teachers would be reassigned to other public institutions across the district.

However, the proposal has faced criticism from community members, adult learners, and both employed and volunteer teachers. Some teachers from the night school reportedly met with Mr. Krayee in person to appeal for the school to remain open but he stood by his decision.

 

“People often say those in leadership positions are not doing the right thing. I’m here to change that narrative,” Mr. Krayee stated. “This is not about friendship this is about doing the right thing in line with the mandate of the Ministry of Education.”

He further criticized some government-employed teachers for prioritizing private schools over their public school duties.

“Some government teachers spend most of their time teaching in private schools during the day and later go to rest at the night school, which has only 57 students,” he elaborated.

In a telephone interview on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the principal of the New Pleebo Extension School, Mr. Prince Tarjoe, expressed support for the DEO’s recommendation. He encouraged his colleagues to comply with the directive and embrace their upcoming assignments for the new school year.

“For me, I have no problem with the DEO’s decision to close the school. It’s true that in the last academic year, we only enrolled 57 students with 16 teachers. I will accept any new assignment given to me,” Principal Tarjoe said.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to determine how the affected students can be integrated into other schools or alternative programs that better serve their academic needs.

As the education sector continues to face resource constraints and increasing demands, Mr. Krayee insists that “tough but necessary decisions” must be made to ensure fairness, quality, and sustainability within Maryland County’s school system.

Quoting Section 4.1 of the Code of Conduct, Cllr. Kangar emphasized that “every public official is duty-bound to respect and obey the laws of Liberia at all times.”

He noted that a list of the non-compliant representatives has already been submitted to the Speaker for action.

The Senate has also come under scrutiny, with twelve senators reported to have failed to declare their assets as of July 4, 2024.

 The Ombudsman has formally recommended their suspension to the Senate Pro Tempore. Those named include Senators Alex Tayler,  Bomi County, Simeon Taylor, Grand Cape Mount County,  Gboto Kanneh, Gbarpolu County,  Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, Grand Gedeh County,

 Thomas Y. Nimely, Grand Gedeh County, Wellington Smith, Rivercess County,  Crayton Duncan, Sinoe County.

Other include Nominine Batiquan, Grand Kru County, James S. Baney, Maryland County, Saah Joseph, Montserrado County, Samuel Kogar, Nimba County, and  Bill Twary, River Cess County.

 

“These senators must be suspended until they comply,” Cllr. Kangar said. “No branch of government is above the law.”

The Executive Branch is also facing serious non-compliance challenges. Cllr. Kangar revealed that approximately 150 officials under the Executive arm have failed to declare their assets.

The Office of the Ombudsman has written to the President, urging immediate enforcement of asset declaration requirements, including the suspension of all defaulters.

On a  positive note, the Judiciary has demonstrated a higher level of compliance. However, four high-ranking judicial officials remain non-compliant, including Her Honor Sie-A-Nyene G. Youh, Retired Chief Justice, His Honor Yusuf D. Kabba, Associate Justice, Her Honor James H. Wolokollie, Associate Justice, Her Honor Siennieh D. Clinton-Johnson, Associate Justice.

The Ombudsman has written to Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay, requesting urgent action.

A fine equivalent to one month’s salary has been imposed on each of the justices for willful violation of the law, along with a recommendation for their suspension until full compliance is achieved.

Cllr. Kangar reaffirmed the Office of the Ombudsman’s unwavering commitment to promoting transparency and enforcing compliance with Liberia’s asset declaration laws.

“Transparency is not optional; it is essential for public trust, good governance, and the fight against corruption,” he stated.

“We will continue to monitor all branches of government to ensure that no official escapes accountability.”

The Office of the Ombudsman is expected to release updated compliance reports periodically as it intensifies its efforts to uphold the rule of law and restore integrity to Liberia’s public service.

“We are not saying prayer should replace the work of the Ministry of Public Works or the economy teams no! They continue their jobs, but as a nation, we also turn to God,” he clarified.

 The Information Minister lauded various sectors including the Ministry of Public Works for continuing to deliver on their mandates while the country also sought spiritual reinforcement.

He praised the country’s faith communities, both Christian and Muslim, for responding to the call with unity and reverence.

 From choirs ministering at ELWA Junction to clerics gathering in mosques and churches, he said, the prayer movement was a powerful reflection of Liberia’s spiritual fabric.

“We thank all the faithful who gathered across the country to intercede for peace, safety, and progress. Liberia belongs to all of us,” Piah noted.

As part of the occasion, Minister Piah also read a special message from  Christine N. Omuton, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia.

 The message commended Liberia’s peaceful democratic transitions and hailed its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027  term.

“In a time when democratic setbacks are rising globally, Liberia showed the world that peaceful transitions are possible,” the statement read.

The UN Resident Coordinator described Liberia’s rise from post-conflict recovery to becoming a contributor to global peace as a significant milestone.

She urged that the peace Liberia now enjoys be translated into inclusive development through education, agriculture, health care, sanitation, tourism, and good governance.

The UN message also acknowledged President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda as a robust national development blueprint and encouraged bolder investments in youth, women, and sustainable initiatives.

“Liberia’s future lies not in being viewed as a charity case, but as a capable partner, ready to shape its own transformation,” Saunders said.

She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s long-term development under the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030) which focuses on economic transformation, human capital development, and rule of law.

Minister Piah, drawing from this message, reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible leadership and urged citizens to avoid distractions that undermine national development.

“Our country has a difficult history, but we must protect what we have achieved and continue praying while we work.

 We are not suspending responsibility we are reinforcing our journey with faith,” he concluded.

The press conference ended with a renewed call for Liberians from all walks of life to engage in constructive dialogue, national unity and consistent prayer as the nation continues on its path toward lasting peace and inclusive development.