Board policy EHAA(LEGAL)

The board shall establish a local school health advisory council (SHAC) to assist the district in ensuring that local community values are reflected in the district's health education instruction. Education Code 28.004(a) See policy BDF regarding composition of the SHAC and policy FFA regarding federal wellness requirements.

The SHAC's duties include recommending:

The number of hours of instruction to be provided in:
1. Health education in kindergarten - grade 8; and
2. If the 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:
1. Health education, which must address physical health concerns and mental health concerns to ensure the integration of physical health education and mental health education;
2. Physical education and physical activity;
3. Nutrition services;
4. Parental involvement;
5. Instruction on substance abuse prevention;
6. School health services, including mental health services;
7. A comprehensive school counseling program under Education Code 33.005 [see FFEA];
8. A safe and healthy school environment; and
9. School employee wellness;
Appropriate grade levels and methods of instruction for human sexuality instruction;
Strategies for integrating the curriculum components specified by item 2, above, with the following elements in a coordinated school health program:
1. School health services, including physical health services and mental health services, if provided at a campus by the district or by a third party under a contract with the district;
2. A comprehensive school counseling program under Education Code 33.005 [see FFEA]; and
3. A safe and healthy school environment; and
4. School employee wellness;
If feasible, joint use agreements or strategies for collaboration between the district and community organizations or agencies. Any agreement entered into based on a recommendation of the SHAC must address liability for the district and community organization;
Appropriate grade levels and curriculum for instruction regarding opioid addiction and abuse and methods for administering an opioid antagonist; and
Strategies to increase parental awareness regarding:
1. Risky behaviors and early warning signs of suicide risks and behavioral health concerns, including mental health disorders and substance use disorders; and
2. Available community programs and services that address risky behaviors, suicide risks, and behavioral health concerns.

Education Code 28.004(c), (n)

The SHAC shall consider and make policy recommendations to the district concerning the importance of daily recess for elementary school students. The SHAC must consider research regarding unstructured and undirected play, academic and social development, and the health benefits of daily recess in making the recommendations. The SHAC shall ensure that local community values are reflected in any policy recommendation made to the district concerning the importance of daily recess for elementary school students. Education Code 28.004(l)

The SHAC shall make policy recommendations to the district to increase parental awareness of suicide-related risk factors and warning signs and available community suicide prevention services. Education Code 28.004(o)

For more information on School Health Advisory Councils, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website. or the SHAC Guide for Texas School Districts.

Azle ISD

Azle ISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)

Azle ISD SHAC Coordinator

SHAC Resources

Azle ISD SHAC Mission, Vision, Goals

Azle ISD Wellness Policy, Wellness Plan, Administrative Regulation

Azle ISD SHAC School Board Reports

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)

SHAC Public Statements as Required by Board Policy BDF(LEGAL)

Policies and Procedures that Promote Student Physical and Mental Health