Jonathan Butcher
Role: Contributor
Position: Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation
Background:
Jonathan Butcher is the Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation. His work focuses on education reform, school choice, and policies aimed at improving educational outcomes. Before joining The Heritage Foundation, Butcher worked in various roles related to education policy, including as Education Director at the Goldwater Institute and Director of Accountability for the South Carolina Public Charter School District. He holds a BA from Furman University and an MA in Economics from the University of Arkansas.
Relation to Trump:
Jonathan Butcher’s policy positions on education align closely with many of the education reforms promoted by the Trump administration, particularly those advocated by former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. These include an emphasis on school choice, voucher programs, and charter schools. While Butcher did not hold a formal position in the Trump administration, his work at The Heritage Foundation supported and aligned with the administration’s education priorities.
Scandals or Controversies:
Jonathan Butcher has not been involved in any major personal scandals. His work on education policy, however, places him at the center of ongoing debates about the future of public education in the United States. The promotion of school choice and charter schools is a divisive issue, attracting both strong support and vigorous opposition. These policy debates often involve significant public and political scrutiny.
Potential Concerns:
Butcher’s advocacy for school choice and charter schools is often controversial. Critics argue that such policies can divert funding from public schools, potentially undermining the public education system and increasing educational inequality. His work promoting conservative education policies can be contentious, particularly among those who support traditional public schooling and oppose privatization in education.