LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Fayette County Board of Education unanimously approved a contract with Mauldin & Jenkins Certified Public Accountants, an Atlanta-based firm, during a virtual meeting Monday night, according to WUKY 91.3 FM.

The board action came as the district moves to bolster its financial operations by creating a new finance director position. The decision represents a significant organizational change for the state's second-largest school district by enrollment.

Mauldin & Jenkins brings extensive experience auditing school systems and government entities across the Southeast. The firm's appointment follows standard district procurement procedures to ensure independent financial oversight of the public school system's budgeting and operations.

Details about the finance director position, including anticipated responsibilities and the timeline for filling the role, were not immediately available. The creation of the new position suggests the district is expanding its financial management infrastructure as it navigates operational and budgetary challenges.

The Fayette County school system serves more than 40,000 students across the Lexington area and operates with an annual budget exceeding $1 billion.