The Plenary of the House of Representatives has voted to pass into law a bill seeking the establishment of the Paynesville School System. The bill was introduced by Montserrado County Electoral District #5 Representative, Priscilla Abram Cooper, during the first quarter of the 3rd Session.
Plenaryโs decision on Wednesday during its 9th day sitting of the special session follows the submission and consideration of a comprehensive report from its Committee on Education and Public Administration.
In its report, the Committee noted that after conducting a public hearing, reviewing stakeholder testimonies, and overseeing a thorough redrafting process, several key determinations were made. According to the Committee, while the original bill was conceptually sound, it contained structural deficiencies that could have led to challenges similar to those experienced by the Monrovia Consolidated School System. However, the Committee emphasized that the final redrafted version of the Paynesville School System Act of 2026 adequately addresses those concerns.
The Committee further stated that the revised legislation establishes a balanced and workable cooperative governance framework that clearly defines and respects the roles of the Ministry of Education, the Paynesville City Corporation, and local community stakeholders.
Based on these findings, the Committee on Education and Public Administration recommended that Plenary approve the bill in its final redrafted form.
Following deliberations, Plenary unanimously endorsed the Committeeโs recommendations and passed the Paynesville School System Act of 2026. The bill has now been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
