Governor Tate Reeves has issued Executive Order 1589 to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test in Mississippi schools. The order applies to elementary, middle, and high school students and follows a recent executive action by President Donald J. Trump that reinstated the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition as well as the Presidential Fitness Test.
“Students across the country are spending far too much time sitting around looking at screens and eating too much highly-processed junk food,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “We know that obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition lead to more negative health outcomes. 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 executive order instructs State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney to prepare a report for Governor Reeves with evidence-based strategies and recommendations for public information campaigns aimed at improving nutrition, diet, and exercise statewide. It also asks State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans to collaborate with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on a plan for implementing the Presidential Fitness Test in Mississippi schools.
Both reports are due by June 30, 2026. The test is scheduled for implementation during the 2026-2027 academic year.
A copy of Executive Order 1589 is available online.
