Oil drilling planned under western Indiana school

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A western Indiana school district is hoping that some oil will be found underneath one of its elementary schools.

The Vigo County School Board on Monday approved an agreement that will allow Indianapolis-based CountryMark to explore under the Lost Creek Elementary property on the east side of Terre Haute.

District Superintendent Dan Tanoos tells the Tribune-Star that the district could see a financial boost if oil or natural gas is found there. Some parents raised safety concerns, but Tanoos says drilling will be done from off the school property and be about 1,500 feet underground.

CountryMark this year announced a significant oil find on nearby land belonging to the Hulman family that owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The school district would get 28 percent royalties on oil found.