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 can:
· Be instrumental in improving student health
· Help the district meet community involvement mandates and community expectations
· Provide a way for community members to work together with school personnel to accomplish school district goals
· Utilize and make the most of community resources and assets
· Provide a forum for sharing youth health information and resources
The Canyon Independent School District’s School Health Advisory Council is comprised of parents of students enrolled in the district, community members, and district employees. The council meets a minimum of three times each year. To obtain more information about the council, contact the council chairperson, Kim Beth Buchanan at 677-2639.
Guidance and Counseling Programs