Establishing a School Health Coordinating Council

D. CHECKLIST FOR FORMING A SCHOOL HEALTH COUNCIL

1. Gather information concerning the nature and function of a school health council.

  1. Discuss benefits and limitations with school districts that have formed school health councils.
  2. Develop a list of issues common to all individuals and groups with a potential interest in collaborating on school health programs.

2. Define the role and responsibilities a council and/or Healthy School Team..

3. Develop criteria for invitations to participants on the school health council. Committee members should include persons who are:

  • Professionally and personally committed to school health
  • Knowledgeable and experienced concerning the health and education needs of students
  • Able to invest the time and energy necessary to develop and continue an effective school health program
  • Leaders in the community

4. Prepare a list of persons who could represent

  • The school board
  • The school administration
  • The school health program
  • Parents
  • Students
  • Health care professionals (private medical and dental practitioners, public health agencies)
  • Youth and family service agencies
  • Voluntary organizations
  • Civic groups
  • Organizations that represent various faiths
  • The judicial and legal systems
  • Local government agencies
  • The media
  • Business and industry

Remember to make sure that the right people are there to work on the issues most important to your school and community.

5. Ask all designated representatives to serve on the council, explaining the individual and group roles and responsibilities.

6. At the first meeting

  • Outline council functions.
  • Develop goals and objectives.
  • Establish operating procedures (eg, quorum requirements, consensus, and voting, how often meetings will be held, how meeting agendas will be determined).
  • Elect a chairperson and recording secretary.
  • Establish subcommittees and assign tasks.

The council might begin by discussing the available data on student health and educational achievement. Members should become familiar with the school's current activities in terms of health education, health services, physical activity, nutrition, staff wellness programs, and community partnerships.

7. Assume a long-term commitment.

Although individual members may change, the school healthadvisory council will have a function beyond the initial planning and implementation of a school health program, as it will revise and maintain the program to meet the students' and community's changing needs.