UISD wants to frack on Permanent School Land

From The Laredo Morning Times

Amid the Eagle Ford Shale exploration boom and the state budget crisis, UISD wants to tap into any potential oil and gas revenue that could be generated from drilling in Webb County’s permanent school land.

At a meeting Wednesday, a law firm delivered a report to district trustees that includes an analysis of how the county can enhance oil and gas production on the 10,000 acres of land to benefit United, Laredo and Webb Consolidated independent school districts.

The details of the report are unclear, as it was delivered in closed session because of attorney-client consultation.

Before the meeting, UISD attorney Juan Cruz said the district contacted Laredo law firm Person, Whitworth, Borchers and Morales to provide the report to the school board.

The firm specializes in oil and gas and natural resources.

After reconvening in open session late Wednesday, the board voted unanimously to authorize UISD Superintendent Roberto “Bobby” Santos and legal counsel to share the report with the county “to secure increased financial benefits from the school lands fund.”

Through current revenues generated from the land, Webb County commissioners approved Monday the distribution of $878,000 to the three local public school districts.

How much they get depends on their average daily attendance.