SE Kentucky News

There were 424 eighth grade students enrolled in Perry County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 7.1% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

West Perry Elementary School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 95 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 8th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
West Perry Elementary School	95	11.2%	851
Hazard Middle School	87	27.5%	316
East Perry County Elementary School	78	10.9%	715
Robert W. Combs Elementary School	48	11.5%	418
Buckhorn School	31	8.7%	357
Robinson Elementary School	30	10.2%	295
Viper Elementary School	29	11.2%	259
Leatherwood Elementary School	19	17.4%	109
Perry County Alternative School	7	33.3%	21