East Pennyroyal News

There were 74 fourth grade students enrolled in Cumberland County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 10.4% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Cumberland County Elementary School is the only school in the county that welcomed fourth grade students.

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

Statewide, Cumberland County ranked 113th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 113th 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 4th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Cumberland County Elementary School	74	14%	530