East Kentucky Times

There were 185 first grade students enrolled in Breathitt County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.9% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Sebastian Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 82 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 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Sebastian Elementary School	82	15.9%	515
Jackson City School	40	10.8%	369
Highland-Turner Elementary School	34	15.2%	223
Marie Roberts-Caney Elementary School	29	11.2%	259