A School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is a group, appointed by the school district,  to serve at the district level. Members of the SHAC come from different areas of the community and from within the school district. The majority of members must be parents who are not employed by the district. For more information visit the Texas Department of State Health Services.

A School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), sometimes called “School Health Team” or “Wellness Council”  represents both school and community. This group acts collectively to provide advice on aspects of the school health policies and programs. SHAC can advise a local education agency (district) or an individual school site (elementary, middle, or high school). To meet the federal requirements, school districts must include the following stakeholders to be part of the process:   Parents,  Students, Community Members, Law Enforcement, Health agencies, school nutrition representatives, teachers and school administrators.

A SHAC can have a variety of roles, depending on how it is used by the school or school district. Members of the SHAC work together to give advice and support to all parts of school health programs and policies. This includes addressing the 10 components of coordinated school health that include: 

• Physical education and physical activity
• Nutrition environment and services
• Health education
• Social and emotional school climate
• Physical environment
• Health services
• Counseling, psychological and social services
• Employee Wellness
• Community and family Involvement

As people become more aware of the concerns about the health problems of children and youth, they naturally turn to their schools for solutions. However, the most troubling problems cannot be solved by schools alone. Experience has shown that when schools involve parents and other partners from the community, the responsibility is shared and many difficult problems can be successfully addressed.

The academic success of United ISD students is strongly linked with their health. Active, happy, healthy, and well-nourished youth are more likely to attend school, be engaged in the classroom and be ready to learn. Yet, an overwhelming number of students come to school with numerous health problems. Issues such as hunger, physical and emotional abuse, and chronic disease can lead to poor school performance.

“Schools by themselves cannot solve health and social problems. However, schools have a critical role to play in partnership with the community agencies and organizations to improve the health and wellbeing of young people… [A School Health Advisory Council] brings together school administrators, teachers, other staff, students, families, and community members to assess health needs; set priorities; and plan, implement, and evaluate school health activities.”- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

GOAL 1 – To have an active SHAC – accountability for SHAC meetings.

GOAL 2 – To assist the district in ensuring that local community values are reflected in the district’s health education instruction.

GOAL 3 – To provide recommendations to the board of trustees regarding all components of a coordinated school health program.

Become active in supporting district initiatives to create healthy learning environments for all children.  Apply to become a member by submitting the SHAC Application.