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What is a SHAC?

Texas law requires every School District to have a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)—with board appointed members, primarily parents—who review health-related issues and provide recommendations to the Districts. These SHACs keep children’s health as a top priority and ensure that local community values are considered in decision-making.

A School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is a group of parents and community members, appointed by the school board 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. Texas law requires the establishment of a SHAC for every school district. SHACs are required to meet at least four times each year.

SHACs assist the districts in ensuring that local community values are reflected in health education instruction. Additionally, SHACs play an important role in strengthening the connection between health and learning. They can help parents and community stakeholders reinforce the knowledge and skills children need to stay healthy for a lifetime.

Texas Dept. of State Health Services has prepared a guide and other great resources for establishing and maintaining a SHAC. CLICK HERE to access their resources.

Texas Education Agency has a SHAC FAQ document on the Health Education page of their website. CLICK HERE to access this resource.