SE Kentucky News

There were 354 10th grade students enrolled in Bell County schools in the 2022-23 school year, the same number from the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Bell County High School welcomed most of the 10th grade students in the county, registering 188 students.

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

Statewide, Bell County ranked 39th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 39th 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 10th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Bell County High School	188	25.4%	740
Middlesboro High School	90	24%	375
Pineville Independent School	55	8.6%	641
Middlesboro Alternative School	12	27.3%	44
Middlesboro Group Home School	9	30%	30