What the School Enrollment Shift Tells Us About Education in America

Jon England
| 30th May 2025

Yes, Utah is having fewer babies, down 26% over the past decade. As a former public school principal, though, I can assure you declining birth rates don’t fully explain shrinking classrooms. Families aren’t just having fewer kids — they’re actively choosing different ways to educate them…

To read the full op-ed, click here.

About the author

Jon England

Jon is the Senior Education Policy Analyst at Libertas Institute. He is a fourteen-year veteran of public schools. He taught both fifth and sixth grades, receiving Weber District’s E+ Team Award. He proudly homeschools his children with his wife. Jon received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University. He spent time in the Marine Corps and separated as a sergeant in 2006. During his time in public schools, Jon increasingly understood the importance of parental empowerment in education. This increased understanding led him to join Libertas to provide educational freedom for families. Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and five children traveling, skiing, and playing games.

Justice and Due Process

When Urban Camping Ordinances Miss the Point

Public disorder concerns are real, and residents deserve effective responses. But overcriminalization is at its most counterproductive reaches people not causing harm while leaving the underlying disorder untouched.

Josh Nemeth
| 11th May 2026

Justice and Due Process

The $51 Million Revolving Door Has a Private Sector Exit

Utah's top 25% most-arrested homeless individuals cost Salt Lake City $51 million annually in shelter, police, court, and medical expenses. As lawmakers pour another $45.6 million into the system, organizations like The Other Side Village are already breaking the cycle through sobriety, accountability, and employment, without taxpayer funding. The data makes the case: expanding a broken system isn't the answer.

Josh Nemeth
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Property Rights

We Don’t Have to Debate Price Controls, Actually

No, rent control doesn't work as supporters believe. Rather it treat symptoms while suppressing the signals that prompt more building, and lower costs.

Lee Sands
| 5th May 2026

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