East Pennyroyal News

There were 890 first grade students enrolled in Pulaski County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 7.2% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Southern Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 143 students.

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

Statewide, Pulaski County ranked 12th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 12th 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 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Southern Elementary School	143	19.6%	728
Hopkins Elementary School	139	19.4%	718
Pulaski Elementary School	109	18.4%	591
Oak Hill Elementary School	104	18.1%	576
Burnside Elementary School	98	20%	491
Shopville Elementary School	66	17.2%	383
Northern Elementary School	63	15.9%	397
Science Hill Elementary School	61	12%	510
Eubank Elementary School	57	14%	408
Nancy Elementary School	50	14%	358