East Pennyroyal News

There were 717 third grade students enrolled in Pulaski County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 7% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Hopkins Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 107 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 3rd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Hopkins Elementary School	107	14.9%	718
Pulaski Elementary School	101	17.1%	591
Southern Elementary School	98	13.5%	728
Oak Hill Elementary School	90	15.6%	576
Eubank Elementary School	58	14.2%	408
Burnside Elementary School	56	11.4%	491
Science Hill Elementary School	56	11%	510
Northern Elementary School	54	13.6%	397
Shopville Elementary School	50	13.1%	383
Nancy Elementary School	47	13.1%	358