Following an outcry of lowering standards in public schools as private schools hike fees, teachers of the nation's largest public school system, the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), have pleaded for higher salaries and improved conditions to enhance their performance.

But meeting with the teachers Monday on their demands, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf reminded them of corruption existing in the MCSS system, including selling grades to students.

The teachers spoke of difficult working conditions and low salaries.

The teachers asked the president to increase their salary from the US$100.00 minimum in the budget to an attractive one.

They also requested the president to pay arrears past governments owe them, provide them additional buses or repair their damaged buses.

The president said she will add 10,000.00 to their scholarship scheme, adding that the Minister of Education will work on their exchange program.

About 75 MCSS teachers have complained of not receiving their pay but the superintendent of MCSS Victory K. Wolubah said some of the teachers presented fake documents for employment.