NW Kentucky News

There were 99 third grade students enrolled in McLean County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 2.9% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Calhoun Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 50 students.

Within McLean County schools, the highest student population was found in 10th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, McLean County ranked 104th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 104th 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 3rd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Calhoun Elementary School	50	15.1%	332
Livermore Elementary School	32	12.5%	257
Marie Gatton Phillips Elementary School	17	12.6%	135