NW Kentucky News

There were 431 first grade students enrolled in Muhlenberg County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 15.2% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Greenville Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 104 students.

Within Muhlenberg County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in 11th grade.

Statewide, Muhlenberg County ranked 41st in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 41st 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 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Greenville Elementary School	104	16.2%	640
Muhlenberg South Elementary School	95	15.7%	607
Central City Elementary School	81	16.9%	478
Longest Elementary School	79	18.8%	421
Bremen Elementary School	72	17.6%	409