SE Kentucky News

There were 212 third grade students enrolled in Letcher County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 10.5% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Martha Jane Potter Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 49 students.

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

Statewide, Letcher County ranked 54th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 54th 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
Martha Jane Potter Elementary School	49	14.8%	332
West Whitesburg Elementary School	46	10.4%	444
Jenkins Independent School	41	7.5%	547
Letcher Elementary & Middle School	36	9.2%	390
Cowan Elementary School	33	11.5%	286
Arlie Boggs Elementary School	7	5.3%	133