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COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 10/22/2025-HELD IN COMMITTEE BILL NO. 36-0080 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands May 8, 2025 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 mandating a daily morning exercise routine for students in all public schools in the Virgin Islands PROPOSED BY: Senator Alma Francis Heyliger Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 1 SECTION 1. Title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 is amended by adding a new 2 section 60e as follows: 3 “§ 60e. Daily Morning Exercise Routine in Schools 4 (a) All public schools in the Virgin Islands shall implement a daily seven-minute 5 exercise routine at the start of each school day for all students. 6 (1) The exercises shall consist of simple, low-impact movements that can be 7 performed while standing or seated, to accommodate students of all physical abilities. 8 (2) The daily routine shall include exercises such as stretching, light aerobics, 9 and breathing exercises, aimed at improving flexibility, mobility, and circulation. 10 (b) The Department of Education, in consultation with health professionals and 11 physical education experts, shall develop a list of approved exercises and provide training for 12 teachers. 13 2 (1) Schools may implement the routine through live instruction by physical 1 education teachers or other trained school personnel, or through pre-recorded 2 instructional videos developed or approved by the Department of Education in 3 consultation with certified physical education professionals. 4 (2) The Department shall ensure that instructional guides and resources are 5 developed by or in consultation with physical education experts to promote safe and 6 effective implementation of the exercises. 7 (c) The Department of Education shall monitor the effectiveness of the daily exercise 8 program through periodic evaluations, collecting feedback from students, teachers, and health. 9 (1) Evaluations shall assess both the physical health outcomes and any observed 10 improvements in academic performance or student behavior. 11 (d) Voluntary participation of Private and Parochial Schools: 12 (1) Private and parochial schools may participate in the daily exercise program 13 to support student health, mobility, and well-being. 14 (2) Schools choosing to participate must submit a written notice of participation 15 to the Department of Education, directed to the Commissioner or such office as the 16 Department may designate for program coordination. 17 (3) If a participating private or parochial school has an established alternative 18 daily physical activity program the school may submit documentation of the program to 19 the Department for review to confirm alignment with the program’s objectives. 20 SECTION 2. This act takes effect 90 days after enactment. 21 BILL SUMMARY 22 The bill amends title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 to add a new section 60e, 23 requiring all public schools to implement a daily 7-minute exercise routine for students. The 24 Department of Education will develop approved exercises and provide training for teachers. 25 3 Private and parochial schools may choose to opt in to the program as a voluntary initiative to 1 support student health and well-being. The act will take effect six months after enactment, 2 allowing time for implementation. 3 BR25-0353/April 7, 2025/KEH 4