NW Kentucky News

There were 310 fourth grade students enrolled in Ohio County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 12.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Wayland Alexander Elementary School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 97 students.

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

Statewide, Ohio County ranked 45th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 45th 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 4th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Wayland Alexander Elementary School	97	13.5%	719
Beaver Dam Elementary School	69	11.7%	591
Fordsville Elementary School	46	17.4%	265
Western Elementary School	39	13.2%	295
Southern Elementary School	37	11.6%	319
Horse Branch Elementary School	22	10%	219