NEW In-School Savings Bank Opens at Boone Central Elementary ON OCTOBER 8TH

ALBION, NE – Cornerstone Bank, in partnership with the Nebraska Council on Economic Education, is excited to announce the opening of a new In-School Savings Bank (ISSB) at Boone Central Elementary School. The student-run bank will be known as the Cardinal Branch of Cornerstone Bank. A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025. To encourage savings, Cornerstone Bank will also match up to $5 of each student’s first deposit.

Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese will also be in attendance and will speak with students about the importance of financial education throughout their lives.

“A big congratulations to all involved. Teaching our kids how to handle money is tremendously important and I want to thank Cornerstone Bank, NCEE, and Boone Central schools for their commitment to strengthening students’ fiscal knowledge,” Briese said.

Through Cornerstone Bank’s Leaders in Financial Education (LiFE) program, in-school savings banks are staffed by student tellers with the guidance of Cornerstone Bank employees. Students make weekly deposits, set savings goals, and earn incentives for reaching milestones—all while building strong money habits. The goal is to help students form healthy savings habits, and it’s not about the amount saved. Depositing even just a penny a week helps create consistent saving behavior that lasts a lifetime.

A signed permission slip is required to enroll a student in the program. After enrollment, students may participate in weekly deposit sessions every Wednesday at 8:30 AM at Boone Central High School, held at the concession stand in the commons area. Fifth and sixth grade students will serve as tellers, supported by Cornerstone Bank and school staff to ensure accuracy.

Students will maintain their accounts for the duration of their time at the school. Upon graduation from elementary, or if a student moves from the district, student savings members will receive their accumulated savings and will be encouraged to continue their savings journey.

For more information about the Boone Central Cardinal Branch of Cornerstone Bank, please contact Steven Ruzek, Assistant Vice President of Cornerstone Bank in Albion at [email protected] or Claire Kayton, Boone Central Elementary School Principal or Bill Curry, Boone Central Middle School Principal.