Jackson Purchase News

There were 55 second grade students enrolled in Hickman County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.8% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Hickman County Elementary School is the only school in the county that welcomed second grade students.

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

Statewide, Hickman County ranked 119th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 119th 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
Hickman County Elementary School	55	12.1%	456