East Kentucky Times

There were 124 preschool students enrolled in Breathitt County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 12.1% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Highland-Turner Elementary School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 38 students.

Within Breathitt County schools, the highest student population was found in 10th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Breathitt County ranked 71st in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 71st 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 Preschool Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Highland-Turner Elementary School	38	17%	223
Marie Roberts-Caney Elementary School	36	13.9%	259
Sebastian Elementary School	34	6.6%	515
Jackson City School	16	4.3%	369