West Pennyroyal News

There were 251 10th grade students enrolled in Simpson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.4% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Franklin-Simpson High School welcomed most of the 10th grade students in the county, registering 218 students.

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

Statewide, Simpson County ranked 59th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 59th 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
Franklin-Simpson High School	218	25.1%	870
Franklin-Simpson High School West Campus	33	20.9%	158