NW Kentucky News

There were 312 second grade students enrolled in Ohio County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 2% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Wayland Alexander Elementary School welcomed most of the second grade students in the county, registering 95 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 2nd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Wayland Alexander Elementary School	95	13.2%	719
Beaver Dam Elementary School	80	13.5%	591
Western Elementary School	38	12.9%	295
Fordsville Elementary School	33	12.5%	265
Horse Branch Elementary School	33	15.1%	219
Southern Elementary School	33	10.3%	319