SW Bluegrass News

There were 322 fifth grade students enrolled in Boyle County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 15.5% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Edna L. Toliver Intermediate School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 127 students.

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

Statewide, Boyle County ranked 35th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 35th 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 5th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Edna L. Toliver Intermediate School	127	23.3%	544
Woodlawn Elementary School	90	13%	690
Junction City Elementary School	50	11.2%	448
Perryville Elementary School	41	13.3%	309
Kentucky School for the Deaf	8	10.4%	77
Sunrise Academy	6	9.7%	62