Jackson Purchase News

There were 434 first grade students enrolled in Calloway County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 22.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Murray Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 149 students.

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

Statewide, Calloway County ranked 32nd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 32nd 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
Murray Elementary School	149	26.1%	571
North Calloway Elementary School	131	20.3%	645
Southwest Calloway Elementary School	87	18.3%	475
East Calloway Elementary School	67	19.3%	348