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Student Health Advisory Council reports curriculum and safety updates; district will not require health for graduation
Summary
The Mesquite ISD Student Health Advisory Council reported on its 2024–25 activities, recommended continued opt-in for certain instructional materials and noted the district decided health will remain recommended but not a required graduation course.
Daniella Rodarte, Mesquite ISD physical education and health coordinator, briefed the board April 14 on the Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) activities, legislative items under review and local health initiatives.
Rodarte said the SHAC included nine parents representing all six high schools, two community members, four students and four district representatives. The council held four meetings this year; audio recordings of meetings were uploaded to the SHAC page on the district website as required by what Rodarte referenced as House Bill 15 25.
Key outcomes reported by Rodarte: - Mesquite ISD decided health will not be a graduation requirement going forward; it will remain a recommended course. - The district will continue to require opt-in (parental permission) for instructional material covered under updated guidance referenced by the SHAC. - The district strengthened campus medical emergency response teams; each campus has personnel certified in CPR and AED.
Rodarte said the council reviewed other topics including implementation of the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) program for K–8, a community drug awareness program related to House Bill 3,908, and completed a comprehensive triennial wellness assessment.
Rodarte also listed pending or proposed state legislation SHAC is monitoring, as discussed to trustees: Senate Bill 25 (daily physical education and nutrition education provisions), House Bill 2,849 (a model recess policy requirement) and House Bill 497 (parental consent for certain behavioral or mental-health services). Rodarte told trustees the council will watch legislation that could affect local health instruction and services.
"The council is an amazing team that truly cares about our community," Rodarte said, and she invited trustees to ask questions. No trustees requested changes to SHAC recommendations during the presentation.
