SE Bluegrass News

There were 427 kindergarten students enrolled in Clark County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 17.6% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

William G. Conkwright Elementary School welcomed most of the kindergarten students in the county, registering 123 students.

Within Clark County schools, the highest student population was found in 10th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in fifth grade.

Statewide, Clark County ranked 30th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 30th 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 Kindergarten Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
William G. Conkwright Elementary School	123	22.4%	550
Strode Station Elementary School	110	20.3%	543
Willis H. Justice Elementary School	101	21.6%	467
Shearer Elementary School	93	21%	442