North Kentucky News

There were 147 ninth grade students enrolled in Bracken County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 10.4% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Bracken County High School welcomed most of the ninth grade students in the county, registering 120 students.

Within Bracken County schools, the highest student population was found in 10th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in second grade and 11th grade.

Statewide, Bracken County ranked 102nd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 102nd 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 9th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Bracken County High School	120	31.3%	383
Augusta Independent School	27	8.1%	332