Jackson Purchase News

There were 361 second grade students enrolled in Marshall County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 10.2% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Benton Elementary School welcomed most of the second grade students in the county, registering 87 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 2nd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Benton Elementary School	87	15.2%	571
Central Elementary School	84	16.4%	511
South Marshall Elementary School	57	18.3%	311
Sharpe Elementary School	52	15.1%	344
Calvert City Elementary School	39	12.7%	308
Jonathan Elementary School	39	14.1%	276
Purchase Youth Village	3	3.6%	84