East Pennyroyal News

There were 861 eighth grade students enrolled in Pulaski County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 2.7% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Southern Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 363 students.

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

Statewide, Pulaski County ranked 12th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 12th 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
Southern Middle School	363	35.8%	1,015
Northern Middle School	313	34.6%	904
Meece Middle School	130	25.9%	502
Science Hill Elementary School	44	8.6%	510
Eagle Academy	11	9.8%	112