West Pennyroyal News

There were 350 seventh grade students enrolled in Logan County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 4.4% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Russellville Middle School welcomed most of the seventh grade students in the county, registering 78 students.

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

Statewide, Logan County ranked 34th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 34th 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
Russellville Middle School	78	29.8%	262
Auburn Elementary School	69	8.9%	778
Chandlers Elementary School	54	10.7%	505
Lewisburg Elementary School	54	9.9%	545
Olmstead Elementary School	47	10.8%	437
Adairville Elementary School	41	10.3%	398
The Academy	7	4.8%	147