North Bluegrass News

There were 225 third grade students enrolled in Harrison County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 5.1% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Eastside Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 65 students.

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

Statewide, Harrison County ranked 64th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 64th 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 3rd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Eastside Elementary School	65	14.6%	444
Southside Elementary School	59	15.6%	378
Westside Elementary School	59	16.2%	365
Northside Elementary School	42	13%	322