NW Kentucky News

There were 107 fourth grade students enrolled in Hancock County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 5.9% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

North Hancock Elementary School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 65 students.

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

Statewide, Hancock County ranked 100th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 100th 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
North Hancock Elementary School	65	12.3%	530
South Hancock Elementary School	42	17.1%	245