By Joseph Momoh, Reporter, Daily Scope
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has issued a grave warning to school leaders across Sierra Leone, indicating that headteachers who do not upload the Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) for their students risk dismissal. Minister Conrad Sackey made this announcement during a visit on Saturday to personally monitor the nationwide CASS upload process, emphasizing that the Ministry will no longer tolerate delays, particularly from districts with a history of missing deadlines.
Minister Sackey noted that five districts have already achieved full compliance with 100 percent of CASS uploads completed. However, he expressed concern that many other districts have not begun the process, with Western Urban and Western Rural districts reporting no uploads as of Saturday morning, despite housing the highest concentration of schools.
For the past two to three years, these districts have posed significant challenges, Sackey acknowledged. “This year, there will be no excuses,” he declared firmly.
To resolve the ongoing delays, the Minister convened an emergency meeting with School Quality Assurance Officers from the Western Urban district, instructing them to bring along school principals. He emphasized that the Ministry has taken proactive steps by providing on-site internet cafés and IT support for schools facing connectivity issues.
“There should be no problem or excuse,” he insisted. “Despite our efforts, some headteachers still failed to show up, even though we provided the internet facilities.”
Reflecting on previous disciplinary actions, Sackey recalled that 45 headteachers were suspended last year for not uploading CASS 1 scores. He warned that the sanctions this year would be even more stringent. “If you cannot upload your pupils’ CASS, then you are not the kind of school leader we need,” he asserted.
The Minister extended the warning to private schools, reminding them that MBSSE has the authority to revoke licenses from institutions that fail to comply. “As a Ministry, we are collaborating with partners to support every school,” he stated. “While I do not enjoy enforcing punitive measures, I will not hesitate to take action if schools do not comply.”
Sackey urged parents to actively monitor their children’s schools, especially since the government will not sponsor private candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) this year. “Parents and Boards of Governors must hold your principals accountable,” he urged, emphasizing their responsibility to their children’s education.
For assistance and inquiries, the Ministry encouraged the public to utilize its upgraded toll-free hotline, 8060, to improve service. MBSSE information officers will also continue engaging the public through radio and television to ensure full compliance.
“We do not want any child, school, or community to be left behind,” Sackey concluded.
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