NW Kentucky News

There were 126 preschool students enrolled in Webster County schools in the 2022-23 school year, the same number from the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Providence Elementary School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 55 students.

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

Statewide, Webster County ranked 79th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 79th 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 Preschool Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Providence Elementary School	55	17%	323
Sebree Elementary School	51	12.2%	419
Clay Elementary School	20	9.3%	214