NE Kentucky News

There were 333 eighth grade students enrolled in Rowan County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 5% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Rowan County Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 302 students.

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

Statewide, Rowan County ranked 52nd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 52nd 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
Rowan County Middle School	302	37.6%	803
Morehead Youth Development Center	17	18.9%	90
Bluegrass Discovery Academy Middle	14	48.3%	29