By the Order of the President for a Day
Executive Order No. 21825.1
Download XOTransition of Educational Control to States, Promoting Health and Wellness through Nutrition Education,
Gardening Programs, and Outdoor Physical Activity for Students
By the authority vested in me as President for a Day. I hereby order the following:
Section 1. Purpose and Intent
This executive order mandates a transition of specific responsibilities from the federal Department of Education (DOE) to state-level control to promote local control of education, improve student health, and increase outdoor activity, physical fitness, and nutritional education opportunities. It also ensures every student can access nutrition education, outdoor activities, and school gardening programs.
Section 2. Dismantling the Federal Department of Education
(a) Transition of Powers and Responsibilities
In alignment with the principles of decentralization, the federal government will begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), transferring educational governance and decision-making powers to state and local governments. This transition is intended to empower states and local communities to control their educational systems, curricula, and resource allocation more directly. The responsibility for primary and secondary education, including standards and regulations, will now lie with state governments, allowing them to tailor education to their unique needs better.
(b)Â Implementation Timeline
The transfer of responsibilities will take place over the next four years, during which the DOE will wind down its operations.
The White House Domestic Policy Council will develop a detailed transition plan with state education departments.
This plan will ensure that schools nationwide receive the necessary federal funding during the transition, with the states
gradually taking on full responsibility for administering these resources.
(c) Reporting and Oversight
Each state will be required to submit annual reports on the transfer’s progress and the educational quality outcomes. These reports will be publicly available to ensure transparency and accountability during the transition.
Section 2: Promoting Student Health through Nutrition and Gardening Programs
(a) Creation of the Healthy Schools Initiative
In recognition of the growing concerns regarding student health and nutrition, the federal government will allocate grants to local school districts to fund the creation of on-site school gardens and related educational programs. These funds will provide resources for schools to develop and maintain garden spaces where students can learn about sustainable agriculture, food systems, and the importance of nutrition.
(b) Nutritional Education Curriculum
Each school district will be encouraged to implement a nutritional education curriculum incorporating practical experiences, such as planting, growing, and harvesting food. Students will also learn about the benefits of various food groups, healthy eating habits, and how to make informed diet decisions. The program will emphasize fresh, local produce and align with dietary guidelines that promote healthy growth and development.
(c) School Garden Stipends and Grants
A federal stipend system will be created to assist schools in implementing and maintaining these gardens. Schools will be eligible
for grants based on the number of students they serve and the level of engagement with local communities.
These grants will cover the initial costs of setting up the gardens and the ongoing costs of their upkeep.
(d) Partnerships with Local Farmers and Experts
Schools are encouraged to collaborate with local farmers, nutritionists, and gardening experts to foster community involvement and provide students with hands-on learning experiences. These partnerships will support the sustainability of school gardens and nutrition programs and ensure that the lessons learned extend beyond the classroom.
Section 3. Encouraging Increased Outdoor Activity and Recess Time
(a) Outdoor Recess Model Inspired by International Best Practices
This executive order, in alignment with best practices from other nations, particularly Japan, mandates an increase in outdoor recess time for elementary
and middle school students. Schools must implement a schedule that provides at least 15 minutes of outdoor physical activity after every 45 minutes of class.
(b) Incorporating Outdoor Time into the Curriculum
Schools should make a concerted effort to incorporate outdoor physical activities into the daily schedule, including structured physical
education classes, informal recess, and outdoor learning experiences. This policy is designed to improve student well-being by
ensuring every child has regular opportunities to engage with nature, increase physical activity levels, and reduce stress.
(c) Recess as a Vital Part of Education
Recess is a vital part of the school day, and research indicates that time spent outdoors enhances focus, improves cognitive function, and supports emotional health. To ensure students have sufficient time to be active, schools will be provided with guidance on optimal scheduling to maximize outdoor time without compromising educational goals.
Section 4. Promoting Student Well-Being through Self-Sustained Meal Programs
(a) Student-Cooked and Self-Served Lunch Programs
To further encourage students’ engagement with healthy food and nutrition, schools will be encouraged to adopt meal programs
where students actively participate in preparing and serving their lunches. This practice will foster responsibility, teamwork,
and practical life skills while promoting healthier eating habits. Schools can partner with local chefs, nutritionists, or culinary experts
to guide the students.
(b) Incorporating Cooking Classes into the Curriculum
In addition to growing food, schools will be encouraged to incorporate cooking classes into the curriculum, where students can learn to prepare nutritious meals. These programs will also be eligible for grant funding under the Healthy Schools Initiative to support their setup and ongoing operation.
Section 5: Financial Support for Implementation
(a) Federal Funding for Schools
Federal funding will help schools implement outdoor activity programs, gardening initiatives, and nutrition education curriculum to support the transition to a more decentralized educational model. The funding will be disbursed as block grants, which can be used flexibly to meet local needs, provided that schools comply with the objectives outlined in this Executive Order.
(b) Tax Incentives for Community-Based Education Projects
Tax incentives will be provided for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local governments that partner with schools in these
initiatives to further support local schools in creating and sustaining outdoor, gardening, and cooking programs.
Section 6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adjustment
(a) Evaluation of Program Effectiveness
The success of the new programs will be assessed annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in
collaboration with the state education departments. Key metrics for evaluation will include student participation rates in
garden and nutrition programs, the overall impact on student’s health and academic performance, and feedback from local communities.
(b) Adjustments Based on Feedback
Should evaluations indicate areas of improvement, this Executive Order provides the flexibility to adjust the programs, funding
structures, and regulations better meet the needs of schools, students, and communities.
Section 7. Conclusion
This Executive Order seeks to create a more sustainable, health-conscious, and student centered education system by transitioning education governance to the states while empowering local schools to engage in nutrition education, outdoor activities, and gardening programs. This initiative aims to cultivate a healthier, more well-rounded generation of students prepared for future success in an increasingly interconnected world by providing the necessary resources and support.
Section 8. Government’s Commitment
By issuing this Executive Order, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness in serving the people of the
United States. These reforms will foster a more dynamic federal workforce and ensure that employees at all levels remain responsive to the nation’s evolving needs.
Section 9. Effective Date
This Executive Order is effective immediately upon signing.
President for a Day
