(Harlan, Ky.) – Recently published Growth Factor data from the Kentucky Department of Education confirms that the Harlan Independent School District remains one of the fastest-growing school districts in the Commonwealth. For the third time in four years, Harlan Independent ranks among the top five districts statewide for student enrollment growth.
Growth Factor data tracks year-to-year enrollment and determines how much state funding districts receive. After a temporary pause in calculations during the 2019–2020 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Growth Factor reporting resumed in 2022–2023—and Harlan Independent saw immediate and significant gains.
In that first year back, the district recorded a remarkable 14.25% increase in enrollment. School leaders credited the surge to focused, student-centered engagement efforts during the pandemic. “As a small district, we were able to align our resources to stay connected with students and ensure we were ready to reengage when restrictions were lifted,” district leaders noted.
Since then, enrollment has continued to climb. The district has grown by more than 200 students, representing a 30% increase since 2019–2020, when membership had declined to 630 students. The newly released 2025–2026 Growth Factor Report shows an additional 6.56% increase, ranking Harlan Independent 2nd in the state.
This upward trend stands in contrast to the overall enrollment declines seen across Kentucky—particularly in Eastern Kentucky—and district leaders believe their long-standing culture of academic success is a major driver of the growth. Current projections show the district could approach 1,100 students by 2030, a milestone welcomed after decades of regional population decline.
Superintendent Jennifer Parsons emphasized the significance of the trend, noting its impact on both student services and staff support. “We are extremely pleased—but not surprised—by the growth. Once restrictions were lifted and tuition for K–12 students was eliminated, we anticipated renewed interest. This growth has helped us remain competitive with salaries, keep pace with rising costs, and maintain some of the lowest tax rates in Kentucky.”
Director of Pupil Personnel Cathy Thomas highlighted the connection between enrollment, attendance, and student success. “The growth we’ve seen is a strong indicator of the overall health of the district. Our attendance rate has steadily increased since the pandemic. While we want to continue improving, the progress is encouraging. Enrollment and attendance are foundational for learning, and there is strong evidence linking both to student outcomes. We’re committed to strengthening our academic culture and reinforcing the value of a high-quality education.”
With increased enrollment, however, come new challenges. Parsons noted that securing adequate space and qualified staff remains a priority. “The growth has required us to be creative with instructional spaces, and ensuring we have enough qualified staff continues to be a concern. So far, we’ve been able to meet the demand—and we remain focused on empowering Every Dragon, Every Day with a life-changing education.”
Growth Factor data is published annually by the Kentucky Department of Education and is available on the KDE website at https://www.education.ky.gov/districts/enrol/Pages/Growth-Factor-Reports.aspx.