Jackson Purchase News

There were 87 kindergarten students enrolled in Ballard County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 13% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Ballard County Elementary School is the only school in the county that welcomed kindergarten students.

Within Ballard County schools, the highest student population was found in preschool, with the smallest class sizes seen in 10th grade.

Statewide, Ballard County ranked 110th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 110th 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 Kindergarten Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Ballard County Elementary School	87	17.4%	499