Governance
The Medezeggenschapsraad (MR) of IST Primary
By law, every school in the Netherlands has a medezeggenschapsraad (MR), known in English as the Participation Council. This body of elected representatives of teachers and parents are actively engaged with the school administration over matters concerning the management of the school.
The Pariticipation Council consists of the following members:
- Mr Martin van Hooijdonk (teacher)
- Ms Ana Pechan (parent)
- Ms Nicold von Hollen (teacher)
- Ms Bidni Tharik (parent)
What is the role of the MR?
For important decisions the administration is required to seek the opinion of parents and teachers. This happens via the MR.
Depending on the issue, the MR has the right:
- To be informed of a decision taken by the administration,
- To be consulted and provide its advice prior to the decision being taken or
- To approve or withhold approval of a decision proposed by the administration.
The MR sets its own agenda of meetings throughout the school year for the purposes of engaging with the school leadership and reviewing the operation of the school. The school provides information and reports on all aspects of school life. The MR members then use that information to inform their opinion and give suggestions for improvement.
In cases where the role of the MR is to give advice to the administration in regards to a decision, the administration can choose whether to follow the advice or not. Should it decide not to do so, it needs to provide reasons.
The MR has most authority in situations where the administration requires the MR’s approval before a decision can be taken. This is in situations such as establishing the school plan and changing the types of exams that the school gives.