School Health Advisory Council
A SHAC is a group of individuals representing segments of the community, appointed by the school district to serve at the district level, to provide advice to the district on coordinated school health programming and its impact on student health and learning. SHACs provide an efficient, effective structure for creating and implementing age-appropriate, sequential health education programs, and early intervention and prevention strategies that can easily be supported by local families and community stakeholders.
What is a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)?
Coordinated School Health (CSH) is a systemic approach of advancing student academic performance by promoting, practicing and coordinating school health education and services for the benefit and well-being of students in establishing healthy behaviors designed to last their lifetime.
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
Every independent school system is required by law to have a School District Health Advisory Council; of which the majority of members must be parents who are not employed by the school district. Title 2, Chapter 28, Section 28.004 of the Texas Education Code details the specifics of this mandate.