SE Kentucky News

There were 428 first grade students enrolled in Knox County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 46.6% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Lynn Camp Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 92 students.

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

Statewide, Knox County ranked 47th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 47th 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 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Lynn Camp Elementary School	92	15.5%	594
Barbourville City School	66	8.7%	760
Central Elementary School	64	15.1%	424
Jesse D. Lay Elementary School	59	15%	394
Girdler Elementary School	57	17.2%	332
Flat Lick Elementary School	33	14.7%	224
G. R. Hampton Elementary School	33	10.7%	307
Dewitt Elementary School	24	16.4%	146