West Pennyroyal News

There were 140 fifth grade students enrolled in Monroe County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 1.4% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Tompkinsville Elementary School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 49 students.

Within Monroe County schools, the highest student population was found in kindergarten, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Monroe County ranked 94th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 94th 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
Tompkinsville Elementary School	49	11.3%	435
Joe Harrison Carter	48	17.8%	270
Gamaliel Elementary School	43	14.3%	300