School Health Advisory Councils
What is a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)?
Benefits of Having a SHAC
- Addressing the health needs of students through the work of the SHAC, helps meet district performance goals and alleviates financial constraints.
- SHACs play an important role in communicating the connection between health and learning to school administrators, parents and community stakeholders.
- SHACs can help parents and community stakeholders reinforce the health knowledge and skills children need to be healthy for a lifetime.
SHAC Laws in Texas
HB 1525 Updates
School Health Advisory Councils (SHAC) & Wellness Policy FAQ
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
What is a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)?
EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 28. COURSES OF STUDY; ADVANCEMENT (texas.gov)
What are the duties of the SHAC?
- the number of hours of instruction to be provided in: health education in kindergarten through 8th grade; and if the school district requires health education for high school graduation, health education, including physical health education and mental health education, in grades 9 - 12;
- policies, procedures, strategies, and curriculum appropriate for specific grade levels designed to prevent physical health concerns, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health concerns, including suicide, through coordination of:
- health education, which must address physical health concerns and mental health concerns;
- physical education and physical activity;
- nutrition services;
- parental involvement;
- instruction on substance abuse prevention;
- school health services, including mental health services;
- a comprehensive school counseling program;
- a safe and healthy school environment; and
- school employee wellness;
- appropriate grade levels and methods of instruction for human sexuality instruction;
- strategies for integrating the curriculum components specified by above in a coordinated school health program for the district:
- school health services, including physical health services and mental health services;
- a comprehensive school counseling program;
- a safe and healthy school environment; and
- school employee wellness;
- joint use agreements or strategies for collaboration between the school district and community organizations or agencies; and
- strategies to increase parental awareness regarding:
- risky behaviors and early warning signs of suicide risks and behavioral health concerns, including mental health disorders and substance use disorders; and
- available community programs and services that address risky behaviors, suicide risks, and behavioral health concerns
- appropriate grade levels and curriculum for instruction regarding opioid addiction and abuse and methods of administering an opioid antagonist.
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The Texas Education Code §28.004(c)(3) specifies that the local school health advisory council's duties include recommending appropriate grade levels and methods of instruction for human sexuality instruction.The Texas Education Code §28.004(e) requires that any course materials and instruction relating to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome be selected by the board of trustees with the advice of the local school health advisory council.
EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 28. COURSES OF STUDY; ADVANCEMENT (texas.gov)
Who should the members of a SHAC be?
- classroom teachers employed by the district;
- school counselors employed by the district;
- school administrators employed by the district;
- district students;
- health care professionals licensed or certified to practice in this state, including medical or mental health professionals;
- the business community;
- law enforcement;
- senior citizens;
- the clergy;
- nonprofit health organizations; and
- local domestic violence programs.
Are there any required subcommittees for the SHAC?
How often are SHACs required to meet?
Are SHAC meetings required to be recorded?
- At least 72 hours prior to the meeting, notice of the meeting (date, hour, location, meeting topics) must be posted on a bulleting board in the central administrative office of each campus in the district and be posted on the district’s] website.
- Prepare and maintain minutes of the meeting, including the subject and deliberation of each vote, decision, or action taken by the SHAC.
- Make an audio or video recording of the meeting and submit the recording to the district within 10 days of the meeting.
- The district must post the minutes and recording of the meeting as soon as practicable on the district’s website.
What topics are typically discussed at SHAC meetings?
SHAC annual report to Board
- any SHAC recommendation concerning the school district's health education curriculum and instruction;
- any suggested modification to a SHAC recommendation previously submitted to the board;
- a detailed explanation of the SHAC's activities during the period between the date of the current report and the date of the last prior written report; and
- any recommendations made by the physical activity and fitness planning subcommittee of the SHAC.
Are public charter schools required to have a SHAC?
Are districts of innovation required to have a SHAC?
How does House Bill (HB) 1525 passed during the 87th Legislative Session apply to Charter Schools and Districts of Innovation?
Where can I get more information on SHACs?
Wellness Policy
Is a LEA required to have a Wellness Policy?
What is the Wellness Policy?
What is the Wellness Plan?
Is a LEA required to have a Wellness Plan?
Who should create a LEA’s Wellness Policy/Plan?
Does the Wellness Policy require approval of the School Board?
How often does the Wellness Policy have to be evaluated?
Where can I access more information on the Wellness Policy/Plan?