SE Kentucky News

There were 366 seventh grade students enrolled in Perry County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 13.5% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Hazard Middle School welcomed most of the seventh grade students in the county, registering 77 students.

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

Statewide, Perry County ranked 33rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 33rd 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 7th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Hazard Middle School	77	24.4%	316
East Perry County Elementary School	74	10.3%	715
West Perry Elementary School	67	7.9%	851
Robert W. Combs Elementary School	46	11%	418
Robinson Elementary School	34	11.5%	295
Buckhorn School	32	9%	357
Viper Elementary School	22	8.5%	259
Leatherwood Elementary School	10	9.2%	109
Perry County Alternative School	4	19%	21