SE Kentucky News

There were 295 preschool students enrolled in Perry County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 7.7% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Roy G. Eversole Elementary School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 75 students.

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

Statewide, Perry County ranked 33rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 33rd 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
Roy G. Eversole Elementary School	75	15.5%	483
West Perry Elementary School	62	7.3%	851
East Perry County Elementary School	59	8.3%	715
Robinson Elementary School	35	11.9%	295
Robert W. Combs Elementary School	34	8.1%	418
Viper Elementary School	30	11.6%	259