Por conselhos municipais de educação mais atuantes e democráticos: o caso da Comarca de Porto Nacional /TO e propostas de atuação do Ministério Público

Abstract

This final report, presented as a requirement for obtaining a master's degree in Jurisdictional Delivery and Human Rights from the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), examines the effectiveness of the Municipal Education Councils (CMEs) in the district of Porto Nacional, Tocantins. It analyzes the role of these councils as mechanisms of social control and democratic participation in the formulation, supervision and oversight of public education policies. It is based on the assumption that the realization of the fundamental right to education, provided for in the Federal Constitution, requires active and autonomous local councils, supported by an adequate structure and trained members. The research adopted the qualitative methodology of a case study with field visits to the eight municipalities in the District. Data collection and analysis were guided by four indicators: organizational structure, training and continuing education of councillors, normative production, public transparency and institutional visibility through official channels and social networks. The results revealed serious institutional weaknesses, such as a lack of infrastructure, insufficient technical qualifications, low legislative output and reduced public engagement and transparency. In some cases, political interference was found to compromise the autonomy of the councils. As a practical contribution, we propose the creation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to assist prosecutors in overseeing and monitoring the councils.