By Patrick N. Mensah, Maryland County
Maryland, Liberia; August 22, 2025 – Several citizens in Maryland County have reacted to a recent Facebook post from the County Superintendent, Henry Cole, halting an ongoing school project being undertaken by a son of the county, Dorbor Bedell.
The Harper Demonstration High School in question has been in a deplorable condition for about five years, making learning unbearable for students.
Amidst these conditions, several appeals made by parents and residents of Harper district to the Ministry of Education and local authority yielded no fruit, something that drew the attention of Mr. Bedell, a philanthropist. He urgently agreed to renovate the school to ensure a conducive learning environment for kids.
The project began on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, following a dialogue with the school principal and District Education Officer, but a message from the Superintendent Cole halted the entire work.
Cole in his Facebook post, said his administration has disapproved the renovation at the Demonstration High School because of procedural errors.
According to him, government has a procedure for its operations, noting that in any project, it is imperative that the county administration is informed to facilitate better collaboration and seamless communication, which he said was never done.
The Superintendent’s Facebook post added that the administration is currently securing funding for immediate repair of the school from the proper authority, a matter that was previously discussed with the CEO and the school administration.
The post added that while the superintendent’s office appreciates development initiatives in the county, “we will not tolerate any group disrespecting or undermining the administration under the guise of development.”
“We wish to inform the people of Maryland County that we apologize for any inconvenience caused by this directive”, Cole continued.
He emphasize that the decision was administrative, not political.
Meanwhile, following the post, several residents and citizens in the county reacted, terming the decision as politically motivated, considering the deplorable condition of the school, and repeated calls for local authorities for intervention that went unheeded.
According to Freddie Goe, Chair of Maryland County Unity Party Youth Congress, said as young people and stakeholders in the growth of county, they recognized the importance of proper coordination in all government projects.
But it’s also important to acknowledge and appreciate individuals, organizations, and foundations that out of goodwill, choose to invest in the development of schools and communities.
The Dorbor Bedell Foundation’s intervention at the Harper Demonstration High School is a welcome initiative, especially given the longstanding condition of the campus.
This effort was initiated in consultation with the County Education Officer, District Education Officers, and the school administration. It demonstrates the spirit of partnership that government continues to encourage, where community actors and philanthropists buttress government’s development agenda, he said..
“While we respect the office of the Superintendent and his call for proper procedures, we also believe that genuine development should never be obstructed or politicized. The renovation of schools is not for any individual benefit, but for the future of our children and the dignity of education in Maryland County”, he added.
Harrison K. Brownan, another citizen, called Supt. Cole to redirect the promised funding to the Old John Hilary Tubman & A. Dash Wilson building below JJ. Dossen Hospital.
“That building is very deplorable Sir. Let Mr. Bedell continues with his work. Sorry, for him not reaching your honorable office. Please note that Marylanders will develop Maryland County”, Harrison said.
Broway Clarence JP said, how can Superintendent Henry Cole undermine development on the basis of procedural, instead of having a
“Moreover, this is my very first time to hear/witness county superintendent interfering into school matter, instead of the County Education Officer (CEO), DEO, County School Board Chairperson, PTA and other academic related authorities”, Broway noted.
When the New Dawn contacted the office of Mr. Bedell, it was alleged that the County Education Officer had approved the ongoing renovation work and they’re even surprised about what is going on.
As it stands, the project remains untouched, and school is about to open next month. Editing by Jonathan Browne
