THE APEX TIMES
Fayette County Board of Education to vote on contract for annual audits with Mauldin & Jenkins
The board will consider approving an Atlanta-based accounting firm to complete audits for Fayette County Public Schools for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 fiscal years, with work expected to finish by Nov. 15, 2026.
The Fayette County Board of Education is scheduled to vote Monday on whether to hire Mauldin & Jenkins Certified Public Accountants to perform required annual audits of Fayette County Public Schools’ financial records, according to WKYT. The proposed agreement would be considered during an auditor meeting on July 6.
Under the contract proposal, Fayette County Public Schools would commission audits covering the 2025-26 and 2024-25 fiscal years. If the motion is approved, the audits would be completed out of the firm’s office in Chattanooga, Tennessee, WKYT reported.
WKYT said Kentucky school systems are required to have their financial records audited annually under state and federal requirements, along with board regulations. The contract being considered would address those audit obligations for two fiscal years.
The board’s review centers on the cost terms laid out in the draft agreement, including an amount not to exceed $131,750, plus $225 per hour for ancillary or supplementary services. WKYT reported the proposed contract also calls for the audit work to be completed on or before Nov. 15, 2026.
The agenda language described by WKYT indicated that references for Mauldin & Jenkins have been checked and that comments were positive. That procedural detail is part of how public bodies typically document vendor qualification before approving professional services.
A school board attorney, John Blevins, was quoted in connection with the overall risk and potential scope of disputes involving audits, saying the situation “could turn into a $1,000,000 plus financial fight.” WKYT included that comment as part of its coverage of the contract vote.
If the board approves the motion, the district would proceed with entering the auditing agreement and establishing the timeline for deliverables under the contract terms. If the board does not approve the proposal, the district would need to continue its audit process using whatever arrangement remains in place or seek an alternative vendor consistent with state requirements.
Why It Matters
- School districts in Kentucky are required to conduct annual audits of financial records, making the selection of an auditor and the associated contract terms a direct matter of compliance and accountability.
- Audit scope and timing can affect when the district’s financial picture is finalized for public and regulatory review, with this proposal setting an end date in November 2026.
- Costs for independent audit services are part of public spending decisions, including the contract cap and per-hour charges for any additional work.
- Because audits can drive follow-on questions or disputes, the contract decision can influence how quickly issues, if any, are identified and addressed through documented review.
- The board’s vendor qualification steps, including reference checks cited on the agenda, are part of the public process for selecting contractors and managing institutional risk.
Key Facts
- The Fayette County Board of Education will vote on July 6 on a proposed contract with Mauldin & Jenkins Certified Public Accountants for audit services.
- The audits would cover Fayette County Public Schools fiscal years 2025-26 and 2024-25.
- If approved, the work would be handled from the firm’s Chattanooga, Tennessee office.
- The contract’s proposed cost is capped at $131,750, plus $225 per hour for ancillary or supplementary services.
- The proposed audits would be completed on or before Nov. 15, 2026.
- WKYT reported that the board agenda indicates Mauldin & Jenkins references were checked and comments were positive.