East Pennyroyal News

There were 245 eighth grade students enrolled in Russell County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 0.8% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Russell County Middle School is the only school in the county that welcomed eighth grade students.

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

Statewide, Russell County ranked 63rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 63rd 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
Russell County Middle School	245	34.6%	708