SE Kentucky News

There were 60 11th grade students enrolled in Owsley County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.3% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Owsley County High School is the only school in the county that welcomed 11th grade students.

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

Statewide, Owsley County ranked 117th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 117th 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 11th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Owsley County High School	60	15.3%	391