East Pennyroyal News

There were 356 eighth grade students enrolled in Taylor County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Taylor County Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 223 students.

Within Taylor County schools, the highest student population was found in seventh grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Taylor County ranked 46th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 46th 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 8th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Taylor County Middle School	223	34.1%	654
Campbellsville Middle School	117	35.7%	328
Lakeview Academy	12	15.4%	78
Campbellsville Eagle Academy	4	16%	25