SE Kentucky News

There were 147 sixth grade students enrolled in Jackson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 13% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Jackson County Middle School welcomed most of the sixth grade students in the county, registering 145 students.

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

Statewide, Jackson County ranked 80th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 80th 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 6th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Jackson County Middle School	145	32.4%	447
Barnabus Home Middle School	2	33.3%	6