SHAC update: Mesquite ISD reports on new state laws, PE schedule and youth tobacco results
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Summary
The district’s School Health Advisory Council reported on 2025–26 SHAC activity, implementation of recent Texas laws (SB25, SB12, SB8/Texas Women’s Privacy Act), expansion of the CATCH program and student tobacco survey results showing lower vaping rates at North Mesquite High than the state average.
A School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) update presented to the Mesquite ISD board summarized meetings and changes the council tracked for the 2025–26 school year.
Miss Rodonte, who led SHAC this year alongside co‑chair Joe Paris, said the council met four times with parents, students and district staff participating and uploaded audio recordings to the district website as required by House Bill 1525. She outlined recent Texas legislation the council considered and the district’s approaches to implementation.
Rodonte cited Senate Bill 25, which requires daily physical education for K–8 and prohibits removal of PE and recess as punishment — practices the presenter said Mesquite had already implemented. She also referenced Senate Bill 12 (parental permission provisions) and Senate Bill 8, which took effect in December and requires restroom, locker room and changing facilities to be designated by biological sex; the district said it designates locker rooms as private spaces for individuals of one biological sex but may temporarily designate them as non‑private during certain athletic or instructional activities with announced entry by staff.
Rodonte described the CATCH coordinated approach to child health and said the district has expanded teacher training, monthly newsletters and a CATCH campus champion initiative. She reported North Mesquite High School’s results from the Texas Youth Tobacco Survey (current use 8.8% vs. Texas 10.2%), noting vaping remains the most common product and that the data will help target prevention efforts.
On scheduling, Rodonte said that in the coming year students in kindergarten through fifth grade will attend PE three times per week in 45‑minute classes to meet the TEA weekly instructional minutes requirement.
The board acknowledged the report; no action was required.
