Jackson Purchase News

There were 332 fifth grade students enrolled in Marshall County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 0.6% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Central Elementary School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 85 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 5th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Central Elementary School	85	16.6%	511
Benton Elementary School	73	12.8%	571
Jonathan Elementary School	45	16.3%	276
Sharpe Elementary School	45	13.1%	344
South Marshall Elementary School	41	13.2%	311
Calvert City Elementary School	37	12%	308
Purchase Youth Village	6	7.1%	84