Working with School Health Advisory Committees (SHACs)

2016

A school health advisory committee (SHAC) is any group that advises on school health. SHACs might go by other names, such as “school health teams” or “wellness councils.” Often based at the district level (though sometimes at the school or state levels), these committees are not part of the administrative structure and have no legal responsibilities. Typically, SHACs are set up to have subcommittees, each of which focuses on a particular aspect of school health (e.g., sexual health).

SHACs are a great way to make use of community expertise and develop partnerships while helping to advance efforts to improve school health. They help plan and promote these efforts and even carry out some of the work.

This resource provides quick tips to work effectively with SHACs.

Contributing Staff