East Kentucky Times

There were 295 sixth grade students enrolled in Johnson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 15% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Paintsville Elementary School welcomed most of the sixth grade students in the county, registering 62 students.

Within Johnson County schools, the highest student population was found in 12th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Johnson County ranked 40th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 40th 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 6th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Paintsville Elementary School	62	13.3%	467
W. R. Castle Memorial Elementary School	60	14.3%	421
Highland Elementary School	60	13%	463
Porter Elementary School	43	9.7%	445
Central Elementary School	33	8.6%	385
Flat Gap Elementary School	25	11.1%	226
Johnson County Eagle Academy	12	4.6%	263