The Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted 6-1, with Sandra Simmons opposed, to extend Superintendent Larry Nichols contract through 2015.

Simmons, according to unofficial minutes of the meeting, said that while Nichols met expectations in most areas that were scored in his evaluation, there were items he could improve on, and that she would review those items later in the year.

Other members of the board applauded Nichols and his work with the district. Trustee Matthew Hay said the district was moving in the right direction, and said that the district has had an increase in enrollment for the first time in 10 years.

The board voted unanimously to approve the payoff of a State Energy Conservation Office Loan in the amount of $1,930,470.

The item required a budget amendment to appropriate $1,748,000 for the payoff.

“In 2007, the district borrowed $5,000,000 from the State Energy Conservation Office for lighting fixture retrofits,” Chief Financial Officer David Dwosky said. “The money was borrowed at three percent interest with a seven year maturity and quarterly payments of $182,691.”

The district has paid $3,205,824 in principal, and $630,690 in interest on the loan.

“The pay-off would decrease the 2012-2013 budget deficit by $732,000, but would increase the 2011-2012 budget deficit by $1,748,000,” Dworsky said.

The pay-off would save approximately $51,600 in interest.

The board voted unanimously to modify the CareHere Clinic Employee Benefit Program to offer the clinic as a voluntary employee participation program.

The change would allow employees to participate in the clinic for a monthly fee of $20 for employee or $30 for employee and family.

All other items were approved by unanimous vote. All members were present. Agenda