East Kentucky Times

There were 158 first grade students enrolled in Martin County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 12.1% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Eden Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 66 students.

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

Statewide, Martin County ranked 93rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 93rd 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
Eden Elementary School	66	13.8%	479
Warfield Elementary School	51	14.6%	349
Inez Elementary School	41	14%	293