What is a School Health Advisory Council?
What is a SHAC?
A SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) is a school board-appointed advisory group of individuals who represent different segments of the community. By law, a majority of the members must be parents of students enrolled in the district and who are not employed by the district. The TSD SHAC comprises parents, community members, students, and school staff working together to improve the health of all students and families through coordinated school health programs.
Why do we need a School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)?
- It's Texas law
- Healthy children learn better
- Healthy homes and healthy schools support healthy children
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/npao/strategies.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/wscc/
The components of a coordinated school health program include:
- Family and community involvement
- Nutrition services
- Physical education
- Health education
- Counseling, psychological & social services
- Health services
- Health promotion for school staff
Legislation
House Bill 18 - Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, counseling programs, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students and to mental health first aid program training and reporting regarding local mental health authority and school district personnel.
House Bill 1525 – Relating to updated procedures in recommending human sexuality instruction curriculum and changes in meeting requirements to include posting a notice of the meeting, recording the meeting, and posting minutes to school district website.
Senate Bill 9 (Special Session) – Relating to updated procedures in recommending child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking curriculum.
Senate Bill 11 - Relating to policies, procedures, and measures for school safety and mental health promotion in public schools and the creation of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium.
Senate Bill 435 - Relating to recommendations by local school health advisory councils regarding opioid addiction and abuse education in public schools.
