Richards Independent School District hopes to get a multi-million dollar bond passed to renovate the school building for the first time in more than 40 years.

Richards is a small town tucked away in the woods. It is a few miles from Highway 30 between Shiro and Huntsville. It serves three counties: Grimes, Walker and Montgomery.

"We don't have a very big town," Shirley Feist, Richards resident. “We are kind of self supportive."

In fact, the local school houses all grades and has about 150 students.

"It is a private school atmosphere," said Martey Ainsworth, district superintendent. "We have small classes and individual instruction."

Martey Ainsworth is the superintendent for Richards ISD. He knows each student by name and hopes he can get people to vote for a $6.3 million dollar bond issue to renovate the building.

"The building was built in 1968 and it's a 1968 building," said Ainsworth. "The infrastructure, the wiring, the air conditioning and heating is just not up to codes. We feel that our kids deserve the best education we can give them."

The money would also go towards new science and computer labs, expanding the library as well as adding a new cafeteria/auditorium.

"I am all for it, I want the kids to have a better school," said Feist.

Feist manages the town's grocery store. The mother of four is also a graduate of Richards ISD. She says the school is the heart of the community.

"If the school's gone, then the families are going to move away," she said.

Meantime, another longtime Richards resident, Jeanne LeNorman has other ideas for the school.

"I don't think it has to be done on such a grand scale," Jeanne LeNorman.

She also wants to the area children to have the best possible education. Still, LeNorman says there are other options.

"I think the people need to stop and think,” said LeNorman. "Plan much wiser."

Higher taxes are a concern for those against passing the bond. The hike would be about $200 per year for every $100,000 worth of land. LeNormann says she is not worried about the money.

"I would be willing to pay for it is worth it," she said.

A bond of $6.3 million works out to roughly $41,000 per student.

The district is hosting an informational meeting about the issue on Thursday, October 14 at 7:00pm in the school's cafeteria.