SE Bluegrass News

There were 86 preschool students enrolled in Bath County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 34.4% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Crossroads Elementary School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 64 students.

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

Statewide, Bath County ranked 86th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 86th 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 Preschool Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Crossroads Elementary School	64	14%	456
Owingsville Elementary School	22	3.7%	591