Jackson Purchase News

There were 362 first grade students enrolled in Marshall County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 1.4% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Benton Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 91 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 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Benton Elementary School	91	15.9%	571
Central Elementary School	87	17%	511
Calvert City Elementary School	47	15.3%	308
Sharpe Elementary School	47	13.7%	344
Jonathan Elementary School	46	16.7%	276
South Marshall Elementary School	44	14.1%	311