Lauren Estes-Velez

Hartselle Enquirer

Finance students of Hartselle High School will begin working in banking after the recent opening of Redstone Federal Credit Union in Hartselle High School’s library.

Five students and two teachers spent time training at Redstone Federal this summer to be prepared to handle money through opening accounts, taking deposits and making transfers within their branch.

The branch hosted a grand opening with the public Sept. 5, featuring executives of Redstone Federal, many members of the community and Hartselle City Schools employees.

Among those first opening a bank account was recently-named Hartselle City Schools Superintendent, Dee Dee Jones.

“I’m very excited to be a part of all the great things happening here and to be included in the opening of Redstone at Hartselle,” Jones said.

According to a Redstone executive, Hartselle is the first high school in the state to offer a Redstone bank in their school. Alabama A&M University is currently negotiating a contract and could be the next in line.

According to a press release sent by Redstone, president and CEO Joe Newberry said the goal is to build a partnership within the schools and advance financial education.

“We want to build a relationship with the schools, and this is also an opportunity to find future employees among the students as they experience the working world,’’ Newberry said.

The credit union branch is located in the high school library. Students will handle all branch transactions, under the supervision of Finance Academy teachers. The branch will only open four days a week.

According to the press release, Redstone is covering all expenses for construction, equipment and training. The credit union will also offer financial education workshops for students and staff throughout the school year.

Redstone’s Hartselle branch, located at 1415 Main Street East, will handle services not available at the Hartselle High School branch.