SE Kentucky News

There were 757 second grade students enrolled in Laurel County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 7.3% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Hunter Hills Elementary School welcomed most of the second grade students in the county, registering 118 students.

Within Laurel County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Laurel County ranked 14th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 14th the year before.

Kentucky is in the midst of a statewide teacher shortage as turnover rates spiked to 10.9% in 2023, up from an 8.9% nine-year average. This issue is more prominent in schools with more low-income and minority students.

Data also shows that between 2019 and 2023, there was an increase of 260% in the number of available teaching posts in Kentucky schools. This often leads to larger class sizes, combining programs, and retaining staff despite potential negative impacts on teacher working conditions.

School	# of 2nd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Hunter Hills Elementary School	118	17.9%	659
London Elementary School	85	14.1%	603
Bush Elementary School	82	14.7%	559
Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary School	74	15.7%	471
East Bernstadt Elementary School	63	11.7%	538
Colony Elementary School	61	14.4%	424
Camp Ground Elementary School	49	14.2%	345
Hazel Green Elementary School	49	12.3%	398
Sublimity Elementary School	49	14%	351
Cold Hill Elementary School	44	14.8%	297
Johnson Elementary School	42	11.7%	359
Keavy Elementary School	41	12.9%	318