NE Kentucky News

There were 401 fourth grade students enrolled in Greenup County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 11.7% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Russell-McDowell Intermediate School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 148 students.

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

Statewide, Greenup County ranked 28th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 28th 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
Russell-McDowell Intermediate School	148	31%	478
McKell Elementary School	71	13.9%	511
Raceland-Worthington Middle School	69	14.5%	477
Greysbranch Elementary School	56	17.4%	322
Wurtland Elementary School	31	13.7%	227
Argillite Elementary School	26	11.5%	226