On Monday, Jan. 8, Homestead High School opened the doors to its newly added Kohler Credit Union branch. This branch is placed within the field house lobby. The location of this is based on the “high traffic [nature of the] area. Where are you going to get more foot traffic seven days a week then the field house lobby?” Principal Brett Bowers said.

Sarah Viera, executive director of business services at Mequon-Thiensville School District, wrote in an email, “This facility will be open to  staff members and students [only] during lunch hours and during late starts;” thus, the “intention behind the branch is not that it is a general use facility during the day. The security protocols during the school day will not change,” Bowers, said.

Three Homestead students have been hired to work within the branch. “The idea that some of our students are going to get real life work experience while at school is neat. I think anytime we can create partnerships between Homestead and the larger community, where students have different opportunities to use their skills and learn some new skills. I think those are good things,” Bowers said.

Besides late starts and lunch hours, the bank’s ATM will be available for sporting or other school-related events. “There will be an accessible ATM, so, for example, at a basketball game on a Friday night when you need cash or you are here for freshman information night and you want to buy a sweatshirt,” Bowers said.

As for cost, “We worked out a partnership with them that they are giving us $150,000 over 15 years. So the first $50,00 we used to renovate the main gym and do the dedication, all came from that first $50,000 dollars. As far as the construction, Kohler Credit Union paid for all of that, they billed it out at $75,000,” Viera said.

According to the official statement released via email, Kohler Credit Union said, “Kohler Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to supporting activities involving financial education, literacy and outreach programs. Kohler Credit Union’s commitment leads them to participate in and support initiatives that empower members and the community to help them make smarter financial decisions.”

“We were intrigued by the partnership based on the opportunities available to students around financial literacy wellness and education. The fact that they are donating money to us as well we can use those for one-time projects,” Viera said.