SE Kentucky News

There were 300 first grade students enrolled in Clay County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 15.8% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Manchester Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 72 students.

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

Statewide, Clay County ranked 57th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 57th 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
Manchester Elementary School	72	16.4%	438
Burning Springs Elementary School	51	15.1%	337
Paces Creek Elementary School	51	14.8%	345
Goose Rock Elementary School	43	17.5%	246
Hacker Elementary School	41	14.2%	288
Big Creek Elementary School	25	16.6%	151
Oneida Elementary School	17	13%	131