JACKSON, Miss. – Governor Tate Reeves today issued Executive Order 1589, mandating the reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test for elementary, middle, and high school students across Mississippi. The order, effective today, October 30, 2025, aims to combat rising childhood obesity rates and promote healthier lifestyles among the state’s youth.
The move by Governor Reeves follows a similar July executive order from President Donald Trump, which reinstituted the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and called for a nationwide push for physical fitness in schools. The Presidential Fitness Test is slated for implementation in Mississippi during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Reinstatement of the Presidential Fitness Test
Executive Order 1589 specifically directs the reintroduction of the Presidential Fitness Test, a program designed to assess various aspects of physical fitness in students. This directive underscores a growing concern among state and federal officials regarding the health and well-being of America’s youth. Governor Reeves emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Students across the country are spending far too much time sitting around looking at screens and eating too much highly-processed junk food”.
Aligning with Federal Initiatives
Mississippi’s decision to bring back the fitness test directly aligns with President Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. President Trump’s July order highlighted the administration’s commitment to “ending the childhood chronic disease epidemic and ensuring the strength, vitality, and excellence of future generations of Americans”. The federal initiative seeks to reinstitute “a time-honored tradition that inspired millions of American children to strive for their best—physically, mentally, and civically”.
The Rationale Behind the Order
Governor Reeves echoed the sentiments from the White House, asserting that sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition are leading to negative health outcomes. “We know that obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition lead to more negative health outcomes,” Reeves stated. He further added, “If we want more healthy adults in our society, it’s important that we encourage students to be physically active and educate them on healthy eating habits. Mississippi will do its part to build a healthier America”.
The order is a proactive step to address what officials perceive as a crisis in public health, particularly among children, characterized by high rates of obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition.
Implementation Timeline and Next Steps
While the Presidential Fitness Test is set to be implemented in Mississippi schools during the 2026-2027 academic year, several preparatory steps are outlined in Executive Order 1589.
The order directs State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney to deliver a report to Governor Reeves proposing evidence-based strategies and public information/education campaigns to address deficiencies in nutrition, diet, and exercise across the state. Similarly, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans is tasked with working alongside United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to develop a plan for reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test. Both reports are due to Governor Reeves by June 30, 2026.
Historical Context of the Presidential Fitness Test
The Presidential Fitness Test has a long history in American schools, originally beginning in 1966. It was designed to assess various components of physical fitness, including upper body strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance. The program, however, was discontinued by President Barack Obama in 2012. The current reestablishment seeks to revive a program that historically encouraged physical activity and assessed youth fitness, although modern iterations like the Presidential Youth Fitness Program have evolved to emphasize personal fitness goals over competitive athletic performance.
Broader Health Concerns in Mississippi
Mississippi has consistently faced significant public health challenges, including ranking among the top states for childhood obesity rates. The consequences of obesity, such as increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and depression, have long been a concern for state policymakers.
Previous efforts to address these issues include the Mississippi Healthy Students Act, passed in 2007, which required each school to have a school health council and promote healthy lifestyles. Despite such initiatives, studies have indicated declining levels of fitness among Mississippi students, particularly in higher grade levels, underscoring the ongoing need for intervention. The Mississippi Department of Education recognizes the crucial link between student health and academic achievement, with research supporting the benefits of quality physical education programs on social skills, academic performance, and reduced discipline referrals.
Looking Ahead
Governor Reeves’s executive order marks a significant step in Mississippi’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of its student population. The success of this initiative will depend on the detailed plans developed by state health and education officials, as well as the engagement of schools, parents, and students in promoting a more active and healthier lifestyle. The upcoming academic year and the reports due in June 2026 will provide further insight into the specific implementation and expected impact of the reestablished Presidential Fitness Test.
