SE Kentucky News

There were 359 fourth grade students enrolled in Harlan County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.5% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Harlan Elementary School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 72 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 4th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Harlan Elementary School	72	19.2%	375
Rosspoint Elementary School	46	11%	419
Cumberland Elementary School	43	8.5%	505
Evarts Elementary School	42	11.7%	359
Wallins Elementary School	40	9.2%	435
Black Mountain Elementary School	35	10.9%	320
James A. Cawood Elementary School	35	9.7%	359
Cawood Elementary School	30	12.4%	242
Green Hills Elementary School	16	11%	145