One of the most powerful actions you can take to support LGBTQ kids and families in your school district is to attend your district’s SHAC meetings.
SHAC stands for School Health Advisory Council. In addition to doing important things like making sure our kids have healthy lunches and excellent physical education programs, SHAC boards also guide school districts’ policies on LGBTQ inclusion and preparedness/sensitivity training for teachers as well as age-appropriate sex-ed programs for students.
We focus a lot on the Austin Independent School District in this group, but the fact is that ALL school districts have SHACs, and no matter where you live, if you care about defending your kids against vocal anti-LGBTQ groups and groups demanding abstinence only “sex ed” then you need to start getting involved in these meetings, or even sign up to be a SHAC board member.
I’m listing the contact information for the SHACs in the Austin area here, but please take a moment to google “__________ SHAC” (with the _______ being your school district) to find their meeting dates or even sign up to be considered for the board.
If you’re a little introvert and nervous about attending (like I was,) I’ve put together a little “How to Attend a SHAC Meeting” about how our meetings in AISD work. I’m guessing they are similar in other districts, but this at least will help give you the assurance that they are not scary. You do not need to talk. You just need to be there, and be informed.
Austin Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member
Lake Travis Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member by contacting your school’s principal or contacting Kathleen Hassenfratz at 512-533-6041 or at hassenfratzk@ltisdschools.org
Leander Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member by contacting Sr. Executive Director of Student Services Brad Mansfield at brad.mansfield@leanderisd.org.
Round Rock Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member
Eanes Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member by contacting Linda Rawlings, Director of Student Support Services, (512) 732-9020 or lrawlings@eanesisd.net.
Pflugerville Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member by using this general contact form for the district.
DelValle Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member by contacting Health Services at 512-386-3073
Manor Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member by contacting Student and Family Support Services Director Becky Lott at (512) 278-4462 rebecca.lott@manorisd.net or Health Services Coordinator Lynda Townsend at (512) 278-4093 lynda.townsend@manorisd.net
Hays Independent School District
SHAC General Info
Sign Up to be a SHAC Board Member
I am not sure about your district’s SHAC meetings, but ours are regularly visited by vocal members of groups specifically designed to shame and block the rights of the LGBTQ community. Our general rule is to not engage with these people and to focus your efforts on the SHAC board members who have the power to influence change.
If your district is like ours, and already has programs that support the rights for ALL students, then simply show them your appreciation and offer your support for future programs. If your district does not have programs in place that support equal rights for LGBTQ students and families, join our group, and we’ll get you the resources to help.
Sign Up For Our Monthly Newsletter
Pingback:Why You Need to Attend Your School’s CAC Meetings – Informed Parents of Austin
Pingback:Get Informed and Involved In Your School District – Informed Parents of Austin
Pingback:This is What Straight Privilege Looks Like. - SusanneKerns.com
Pingback:How Can I Make My School LGBTQ Inclusive? – Informed Parents of Austin