In Maryland County, Liberia, a dispute has erupted over the renovation of Harper Demonstration High School, a dilapidated institution left in disrepair for five years. Local philanthropist, Dorbor Bedell, initiated a renovation project on August 19, 2025, after numerous appeals to authorities went unanswered. The project, coordinated with the school principal and District Education Officer, aimed to provide a conducive learning environment for students. However, County Superintendent Henry Cole abruptly halted the project via a Facebook post, citing procedural errors and the need for his administration’s involvement in such initiatives. This action sparked a wave of criticism from citizens who viewed the decision as politically motivated, especially given the school’s dire state and the previous disregard for their appeals for help.
Cole defended his decision by stating that the county administration must be informed of all projects to ensure proper collaboration and communication. He also mentioned that his administration was securing funding for the school’s repair, a matter previously discussed with the County Education Officer (CEO) and school administration. While appreciating development initiatives, Cole emphasized that his office would not tolerate any perceived disrespect or undermining of the administration under the guise of development. He apologized for any inconvenience, characterizing the decision as administrative, not political.
The public reaction was swift and largely negative. Many perceived Cole’s actions as obstructive and counterproductive, prioritizing bureaucratic procedures over the immediate needs of students. Freddie Goe, Chair of Maryland County Unity Party Youth Congress, acknowledged the importance of proper coordination but stressed the need to appreciate individuals and organizations willing to invest in community development. He emphasized that Bedell’s initiative, launched in consultation with education officials, embodied the spirit of partnership that the government supposedly encourages. While respecting the Superintendent’s office, Goe argued against politicizing development and highlighted the project’s benefit to the children and the overall quality of education in the county.
Further public outcry underscored the community’s frustration. Citizen Harrison K. Brownan suggested redirecting the promised funding to another dilapidated school building, urging Cole to allow Bedell’s work to continue. He pointedly stated that the people of Maryland County would be the ones to develop their own community. Another citizen, Broway Clarence JP, questioned Cole’s authority to interfere in school matters traditionally handled by education officials, expressing surprise at the superintendent’s intervention. These comments reflect a broader sentiment of local empowerment and ownership of development initiatives.
The controversy surrounding the Harper Demonstration High School renovation highlights the tension between bureaucratic procedures and the urgent need for community development. Cole’s insistence on protocol, while ostensibly justified, clashes with the community’s desire for immediate action and their appreciation for Bedell’s initiative. The public reaction reveals a distrust of official channels and a growing sense of self-reliance within the community. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of government procedures in addressing pressing community needs and the role of individual philanthropy in filling the gaps left by bureaucratic delays.
The situation remains unresolved. Bedell’s project is stalled, and the start of the school year looms. The allegations that the County Education Officer had approved the renovation further complicate the matter and raise questions about internal communication within the local government. The future of Harper Demonstration High School hangs in the balance, caught between procedural disputes and the urgent need for repair. The incident serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing development in Maryland County, highlighting the importance of collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to serving the community’s needs.
