East Pennyroyal News

There were 260 first grade students enrolled in Rockcastle County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 32.7% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Mt. Vernon Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 114 students.

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

Statewide, Rockcastle County ranked 65th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 65th 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
Mt. Vernon Elementary School	114	16.5%	691
Brodhead Elementary School	99	18.5%	534
Roundstone Elementary School	47	17.2%	273