Jackson Purchase News

There were 339 sixth grade students enrolled in Marshall County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 9.1% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

South Marshall Middle School welcomed most of the sixth grade students in the county, registering 165 students.

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

Statewide, Marshall County ranked 36th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 36th 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 6th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
South Marshall Middle School	165	33.7%	490
North Marshall Middle School	161	30.7%	525
Purchase Youth Village	13	15.5%	84