A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download and PRINTING.

January 4, 2011

Subject: 2010-2011 School Health Advisory Council Award Announcements

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

Chapter 28.004 of the Texas Education Code requires every independent school district to have a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC). A SHAC is a group of representatives from the community within the school district they serve. More than half of the SHAC members must be parents of students enrolled in the district and who are not employed by the district.  Additionally, SHACs must meet at least four times per year, contain a minimum of five members, report directly to the school board at least once annually, and appoint a parent as a chair or co-chair.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is pleased to announce grant awards for Characteristics of an Effective School Health Advisory Council in an effort to highlight district SHACs that go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the law. These outstanding districts review and improve curriculum, instruction, and assessment and improve student health literacy through quality health education.  Grant recipients also documented how they reviewed existing programs and how they recommended professional development for school staff in areas relating to health education and HIV prevention.  They were required to demonstrate their review of at least two human sexuality curriculums before recommending the preferred methodology to the school board. Each grantee will receive $4,500 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve the health of all students and families within their community through a coordinated school health approach. The SHACs can use the funds to enhance the implementation of school health programs with a focus on health education and HIV prevention. The grantees are:

If you have any questions, please contact Onnalita Sutton at (512) 463-2842.

Sincerely,

Onnalita Sutton, Health Promotion Specialist
Division of Health and Safety