What is SHAC?

The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is an advisory group comprised of individuals who represent segments of the community. The group acts collectively to provide advice to the EPISD on aspects of the school district’s health program. Generally, the members of SHAC are appointed by either the Board of Trustees, PTA, or the Facilitator for Health Education.

SHAC is seeking new members for the upcoming school year. Of importance, increased parent membership is needed. Because the SHAC functions to provide a community voice regarding school health issues it's critical that parents become involved. Further, through the collaboration of parents, community members, and EPISD staff SHAC strives to create healthy, safe schools.

For more information, or if you have a parent, student, or community member to recommend, call the EPISD Health Wellness and Physical Education office at 915-230-2216.

It is important to emphasize that the SHAC provides advice to the EPISD administrative staff and the EPISD Board of Trustees.

What do they do?

The SHAC has a variety of roles addressing all components of a comprehensive school health program. The components include:

• Health instruction
• Healthful school environment
• Health services
• Physical education
• School counseling
• Food Service
• Health promotion for staff
• Integrated school and community programs

The local school health advisory council’s duties include recommending:

1. The number of hours of instruction to be provided in health education
2. Health education curriculum appropriate for specific grade levels that may include a coordinated health education program designed to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, and Type II diabetes
3. Instruction to prevent the use of tobacco
4. Appropriate grade levels and methods of instruction for human sexuality education.
5. Appropriate grade levels and methods of instruction for abuse prevention education