West Pennyroyal News

There were 275 eighth grade students enrolled in Allen County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 10% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

James E. Bazzell Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 253 students.

Within Allen County schools, the highest student population was found in 10th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Allen County ranked 60th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 60th 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
James E. Bazzell Middle School	253	49.4%	512
Patriot Academy	22	11.2%	197