North Bluegrass News

There were 578 fourth grade students enrolled in Franklin County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 20.9% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Hearn Elementary School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 100 students.

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

Statewide, Franklin County ranked 21st in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 21st 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 4th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Hearn Elementary School	100	23%	434
Collins Lane	86	15.5%	555
Peaks Mill Elementary School	82	18.6%	442
Elkhorn Elementary School	81	18.6%	435
Bridgeport Elementary School	77	17.5%	440
Second Street School	76	12.3%	618
Westridge Elementary School	76	18.6%	409