SE Kentucky News

There were 277 preschool students enrolled in Harlan County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.2% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Sunshine School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 114 students.

Within Harlan County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in 12th grade.

Statewide, Harlan County ranked 38th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 38th 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 Preschool Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Sunshine School	114	100%	114
Cawood Elementary School	24	9.9%	242
James A. Cawood Elementary School	23	6.4%	359
Cumberland Elementary School	21	4.2%	505
Evarts Elementary School	21	5.8%	359
Rosspoint Elementary School	21	5%	419
Black Mountain Elementary School	20	6.2%	320
Wallins Elementary School	18	4.1%	435
Green Hills Elementary School	15	10.3%	145