PARTICIPATION COUNCIL / MR

What is the MR?
By law, every school in the Netherlands must have a medezeggenschapsraad (MR), or participation council. This council consists of elected representatives of teachers, students, and parents. The MR serves as a formal body through which the school administration consults stakeholders on matters related to school management and policy.

The members of the Participation Council are elected through a democratic process and are comprised of a minimum of four (4) members: a student’s representative, a parent’s representative, a non-teaching staff member and a teaching staff member.

Current Member of SCS Participation Council

Parents or staff can contact the MR with questions and remarks.

What does the MR do?
The MR has three types of legal rights, depending on the issue:

• The right to be informed about decisions already made by the school administration.

• The right to be consulted, allowing the MR to give advice before a decision is taken.

• The right of consent, where the administration must seek the MR’s formal consent before making certain decisions.

Through these rights, the MR plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, dialogue, and shared responsibility in school governance.

How does the MR operate?
The school shares information and reports with the MR on all aspects of school life. MR members use this information to evaluate plans and provide feedback or suggestions for improvement.

In cases where the MR only gives advice, the administration is not obligated to follow it, but must provide a justification if it chooses not to. When a decision requires the MR’s approval, the administration cannot proceed without it. This includes decisions such as adopting the school plan or changing exam formats.

Does the MR make decisions about education?
The MR does not manage the school’s daily operations or handle individual issues involving students or complaints. However, it has an important say in broader school policy through its advisory and approval rights.