SE Kentucky News

There were 362 eighth grade students enrolled in Harlan County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 9% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Cumberland Elementary School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 58 students.

Within Harlan County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in 12th grade.

Statewide, Harlan County ranked 38th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 38th 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
Cumberland Elementary School	58	11.5%	505
Harlan High School	53	12.8%	415
Rosspoint Elementary School	48	11.5%	419
Wallins Elementary School	48	11%	435
James A. Cawood Elementary School	45	12.5%	359
Evarts Elementary School	34	9.5%	359
Black Mountain Elementary School	33	10.3%	320
Cawood Elementary School	25	10.3%	242
Green Hills Elementary School	18	12.4%	145