SE Kentucky News

There were 337 third grade students enrolled in Harlan County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.2% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Harlan Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 68 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 3rd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Harlan Elementary School	68	18.1%	375
Wallins Elementary School	52	12%	435
Cumberland Elementary School	42	8.3%	505
Rosspoint Elementary School	36	8.6%	419
Evarts Elementary School	35	9.7%	359
Black Mountain Elementary School	31	9.7%	320
James A. Cawood Elementary School	28	7.8%	359
Cawood Elementary School	24	9.9%	242
Green Hills Elementary School	21	14.5%	145