West Pennyroyal News

There were 159 fifth grade students enrolled in Hart County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 10.7% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Munfordville Elementary School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 51 students.

Within Hart County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in fifth grade and 12th grade.

Statewide, Hart County ranked 73rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 73rd 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 5th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Munfordville Elementary School	51	9.4%	544
Memorial Elementary School	35	9.1%	384
Bonnieville Elementary School	33	9.3%	354
Legrande Elementary School	23	7.2%	318
Cub Run Elementary School	17	7.7%	221