Jackson Purchase News

There were 211 preschool students enrolled in Marshall County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.7% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Benton Elementary School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 54 students.

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

Statewide, Marshall County ranked 36th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 36th 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 Preschool Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Benton Elementary School	54	9.5%	571
Calvert City Elementary School	36	11.7%	308
Central Elementary School	35	6.8%	511
South Marshall Elementary School	31	10%	311
Sharpe Elementary School	29	8.4%	344
Jonathan Elementary School	26	9.4%	276