Conditional Formatting Based on Data in another Cell

Hello,
I would appreciate any help you can offer on the following scenario. I tried conditional formatting, however, the columns in Row E either all change to black or all change to white.

I'm trying to change the background field color of cells in a column based on a value in a different field.
A number of students will visit my facility and need to assigned specific jobs based on that number. The number of students will be entered in a field that is merged (B6,C6,D6). If there are 53 students, I need fields in Column E with a value of <54 to change to "no background fill color." (All fields currently have black fill color with an number from 1 - 136 in each field); If there are 58 students, I need fields in Column E with a value of <59 to change to "no highlight." {THis allows student names to be entered.}

The conditions will continue through 136 students (max) in which all fields in Column E with a value of 1 - 136 (or <137) should change to "no background fill color."

Thank you in advance for any suggestions. I'm so thankful for this forum to share ideas.