West Pennyroyal News

There were 309 fourth grade students enrolled in Grayson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.8% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Clarkson Elementary School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 90 students.

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

Statewide, Grayson County ranked 43rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 43rd 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 4th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Clarkson Elementary School	90	13.9%	649
H. W. Wilkey Elementary School	86	14.2%	604
Oran P. Lawler Elementary School	74	16.5%	449
Caneyville Elementary School	59	13.4%	441