NW Kentucky News

There were 487 second grade students enrolled in Henderson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.1% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Spottsville Elementary School welcomed most of the second grade students in the county, registering 86 students.

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

Statewide, Henderson County ranked 24th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 24th 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 2nd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Spottsville Elementary School	86	14.8%	581
South Heights Elementary School	74	15.8%	468
Jefferson Elementary School	73	17.8%	411
East Heights Elementary School	67	17.5%	382
Bend Gate Elementary School	59	12.6%	469
Niagara Elementary School	44	15.3%	288
Cairo Elementary School	42	15.1%	278
A. B. Chandler Elementary School	42	13.9%	302