School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1

The name of the organization shall be Leander ISD School Health Advisory Council. This organization is commonly referred to as SHAC or LISD SHAC.

Section 2

LISD SHAC is organized for the purpose to establish and maintain a School Health Advisory Council authorized by the LISD Board of Trustees following the requirements set forth by the Chapter 28.004 of the Texas Education Code and guided by the LISD SHAC bylaws. Chapter 28.004 states “The board of trustees of each school district shall establish a local school health advisory council to assist the district in ensuring that local community values are reflected in the district’s health education instruction.”

Article II: Membership

The LISD Board of Trustees shall annually approve volunteers and Trustee appointees to the LISD SHAC

Section 1

In order to become a member of LISD SHAC, potential members must meet the following requirements:

• Custodial parents or guardians serving on the council must have a student currently enrolled in the district or be living/working within the district.
• A majority of the SHAC approved members must be persons who are custodial parents or guardians of students enrolled in the district and who are not employed by the district.
• SHAC will strive to reflect the geographic, ethnic, gender and economic diversity of the district.
• Members should have a strong commitment to the health and well-being of students, staff, and community members.
• Each Trustee shall appoint up to five individuals to serve on SHAC:
  • Which may include persons from any of the following groups or a representative from a group other than a group specified.
  • Specified Groups: Classroom teachers employed by the district, school counselors, school administrators, district students, health-care professionals, business community, law enforcement, senior citizens, clergy, nonprofit health organizations and local domestic violence programs.

Section 2: Terms of Service

Membership of LISD SHAC shall be a one year term beginning with the first meeting of the school year. Trustees may approve members to serve multiple terms. (Max 3 consecutive terms)

Article III: Officers

Section 1:

The Chair

• Parent or guardian meeting guidelines described in membership
• Presides at all meetings of SHAC unless absent
• Appoints committees as necessary
• Presents the annual report to the Board of Trustees

Co-Chair

• Parent or guardian meeting guidelines described in membership
• In case of absence of the Chair the parent co-chair will preside
• Assist Chair in responsibilities directed by district policy and direction of the board

Secretary

• Presides at meetings when both the Chair and Co-Chair are absent
• Prepares meeting notices, minutes, and communications to be sent to the SHAC members.
• Provide staff support in the development and submission of SHAC’s annual report

Members interested in an Officer position will submit their name to the SHAC Facilitator and if multiple members volunteer , a vote by all SHAC members will take place. Prior to the first meeting of the SHAC, members will be informed about the duties of each officer position and given an opportunity to submit their name and biography for consideration.

SHAC Facilitator

• An employee of LISD
• Ensures that adequate facilities arrangements and staff support are secured for all meetings.
• Providing members and support staff with agendas and background materials prior to meetings.
• Serving as a custodian of all SHAC records.
• Providing staff support in the development and submission of SHAC’s annual report.
• Providing such other assistance as requested in accordance with the SHAC authorizing statute, district policy, and the direction of the Board of Trustees.
• Not a voting member

Article IV: Committees

Committees shall be formed on an as needed basis by volunteers or by appointment.

Article V: Decision Making

Members shall attempt to reach decisions by consensus. However, if a clear consensus cannot be obtained, members shall reach a decision by majority vote. Proxy voting shall not be permitted. However, members in virtual attendance may vote.

Article VI: Meetings

Meetings will be held at least four times per year. The dates will be established by the Facilitator and posted publicly and to committee members at least two weeks in advance.

A quorum will be the members present at the meeting with the minimum of 10 members present. Meetings may be held without a quorum for the purpose of presentations, research or discussion. No voting may take place without a quorum.

Article VII: Communication

SHAC shall submit to the Board of Trustees annually a written report that includes:

• Any SHAC recommendation concerning the school district’s health education curriculum and instruction or related matters that the council has not previously submitted to the board.
• Any suggested modification to a council recommendation previously submitted to the board.
• The report shall include a comprehensive summary of the viewpoints expressed during SHAC discussions.

The Annual Report to the Board of Trustees will be submitted by the Chair of the School Health Advisory Council with assistance from the SHAC Facilitator.

Article VIII: Amendments

The procedure for making changes to the by-laws shall be a two-thirds vote of the voting members described as a quorum present in an established meeting set by the Chair with board approval.

• Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Program 
• LISD Wellness Vision Statement 
• Quality Recess Guidelines
• 2024 Wellness Plan- Draft
• 2018 Wellness Plan
• Empowered Parent Website

Why do we need a School Health Advisory Committee?

1. It is Texas law.
2. Healthy children learn better.
3. Schools play an important role in teaching healthy habits.
4. Healthy homes and healthy schools support healthy children.

What is included in a Coordinated School Health Program? (CHSP)

The components of a coordinated school health program include:

• Family and community involvement
• Nutrition services
• Physical education
• Health education
• Counseling, psychological and social services
• Health services
• Healthy school environment
• Health promotion for school staff