LEWISVILLE (CBSDFW.COM) – While the Lewisville School Board doesn’t want gas wells near schools in the district, the board will vote on a backup plan Monday night.

As it stands, there are two gas companies trying to work directly with the Railroad Commission of Texas to get drilling approval near schools.

“Any district can turn down [gas] leases and we have done that,” explained Lewisville school district spokeswoman Karen Permetti. “But with Rule 37 basically that allows oil and gas companies to go seek permission from the Railroad Commission to go ahead and seek minerals.”

The Lewisville board is making a preemptive move in case the commission rules in favor of the gas companies.

Lewisville ISD officials will consider seeking bids that would give the school district royalties and some control over the operation of gas wells, should they be approved.

“Through a proposal we feel like we have a voice in how the leasing will take place, in that we can possibly, financially benefit,” said Permetti. “If the commission rules against our district we would have no say, we would receive no royalties.”

When contacted by KRLD NewsRadio 1080, Lewisville School Board President Vernell Gregg said she was not familiar enough with the proposal to comment. Board Vice President Tom Ferguson said he doesn’t comment on public matters.