SE Kentucky News

There were 713 fourth grade students enrolled in Laurel County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.1% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Bush Elementary School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 90 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 4th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Bush Elementary School	90	16.1%	559
Hunter Hills Elementary School	84	12.7%	659
London Elementary School	77	12.8%	603
East Bernstadt Elementary School	65	12.1%	538
Hazel Green Elementary School	61	15.3%	398
Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary School	60	12.7%	471
Colony Elementary School	53	12.5%	424
Johnson Elementary School	52	14.5%	359
Camp Ground Elementary School	50	14.5%	345
Sublimity Elementary School	43	12.3%	351
Keavy Elementary School	40	12.6%	318
Cold Hill Elementary School	38	12.8%	297