Teacher Shortage, Leadership Gap Hit Maryland School

By Patrick N. Mensah
Maryland County Correspondent

OLD SOLOKEN, Maryland County, August 7, 2026 – Old Sodoken Community School in Pleebo-Sodoken District is grappling with a severe staffing crisis, operating with only two government-paid teachers and no principal for nearly a year, prompting school authorities to appeal for urgent government intervention.

School Registrar Alexander George disclosed the challenges in an interview with reporters, warning that the shortage of teachers and the prolonged absence of a principal are undermining academic performance and the effective management of the institution.

According to George, the school has been without a principal since November 2025 after the former administrator stepped down because of illness.

Since then, he said, the institution has operated without a substantive head to supervise staff, manage student records, enforce discipline, coordinate with education authorities, and provide overall leadership.

George said only two government-paid teachers are currently responsible for teaching all students enrolled at the school, a situation he described as unsustainable.

“The remaining teachers are doing their best under extremely difficult circumstances, but the workload is simply too much,” he said.

He noted that the shortage has negatively affected classroom instruction and students’ academic performance.

George also revealed that several volunteer teachers who had been supporting the school withdrew their services because they received no incentives or financial support.

He said the staffing crisis has discouraged some parents from enrolling or keeping their children in school due to concerns about the quality of education.

The school administration is appealing to the Ministry of Education, the Maryland County Legislative Caucus, and development partners to deploy additional qualified teachers and appoint a new principal to restore effective teaching and administration.

Old Soloken Community School serves nearly 1,000 residents and remains one of the few educational institutions available to children in the community.

Community leaders believe that strengthening the school’s workforce and leadership will improve access to quality education, reduce illiteracy, and create better opportunities for local children.

When contacted, Pleebo-Sodoken District Education Officer Macheal Sackie confirmed the shortage of teachers and the vacancy in the principal’s office.

Sackie said the position became vacant after the former principal fell ill. Although he is currently out of Maryland County on official assignment, he assured that upon his return, he would work with the relevant authorities to address the situation as a matter of urgency.