SW Bluegrass News

There were 250 first grade students enrolled in Mercer County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Mercer County Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 214 students.

Within Mercer County schools, the highest student population was found in ninth grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in 11th grade.

Statewide, Mercer County ranked 55th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 55th 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 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Mercer County Elementary School	214	26.5%	809
Burgin Independent School	36	6.6%	542