SHERRARD, W.Va. -- The Marshall County Board of Education wants to open three school sites in Sherrard to oil and natural gas drilling.

The board is seeking proposals to lease oil and gas rights on about 156 acres surrounding Sherrard Middle and Hilltop Elementary schools, and the former Sherrard Elementary School.

Marshall County Superintendent Fred Renzella says Chesapeake Energy and other natural gas drilling companies have expressed interest in the sites.

The school system would get 14 percent of the profit generated by any drilling.

If the board receives and accepts a bid, Renzella says drilling would occur toward the end of the school year so students wouldn't be disrupted.

SHERRARD, W.Va. -- The Marshall County Board of Education wants to open three school sites in Sherrard to oil and natural gas drilling.

The board is seeking proposals to lease oil and gas rights on about 156 acres surrounding Sherrard Middle and Hilltop Elementary schools, and the former Sherrard Elementary School.

Marshall County Superintendent Fred Renzella says Chesapeake Energy and other natural gas drilling companies have expressed interest in the sites.

The school system would get 14 percent of the profit generated by any drilling.

If the board receives and accepts a bid, Renzella says drilling would occur toward the end of the school year so students wouldn't be disrupted.