NW Kentucky News

There were 344 first grade students enrolled in Ohio County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Wayland Alexander Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 105 students.

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

Statewide, Ohio County ranked 45th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 45th 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
Wayland Alexander Elementary School	105	14.6%	719
Beaver Dam Elementary School	85	14.4%	591
Western Elementary School	45	15.3%	295
Southern Elementary School	43	13.5%	319
Fordsville Elementary School	36	13.6%	265
Horse Branch Elementary School	30	13.7%	219