School Health Advisory Council

Texas State Law requires that the board of trustees of each school district establish a local School Health Advisory Council (SHAC).  The purpose of the committee is to ensure that community values are reflected in the health education curriculum and other school health issues.  Senate Bill 1357 expanded the duties of the council to include recommending strategies for integrating school health services, counseling and guidance services, a safe school environment, and school employee wellness into the school’s health curriculum. 
The SHAC duties include recommending:

• The number of hours of instruction to be provided in health education 
• Curriculum appropriate for specific grade levels designed to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes through coordination of health education; physical education and physical activity; nutrition services; parental involvement; and instruction to prevent the use of tobacco.
• Appropriate grade levels and methods of instruction for human sexuality instruction.
• Strategies for integrating the curriculum components in a coordinated school health program