SW Bluegrass News

There were 214 fourth grade students enrolled in Garrard County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.2% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Camp Dick Robinson Elementary School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 80 students.

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

Statewide, Garrard County ranked 68th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 68th 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
Camp Dick Robinson Elementary School	80	15.8%	506
Lancaster Elementary School	73	13.9%	525
Paint Lick Elementary School	61	17.8%	343