Kauffman supports Atlanta HS auto lab

ATLANTA (Dec. 21, 2015) — Kauffman Tire Inc. has partnered with the Atlanta Public School System to set up Kauffman Tire Automotive Basic Repair and Maintenance Lab at South Atlanta High School, a fully equipped repair facility for training students interested in auto repair as a career.

Kauffman Tire, headquartered in the southeast Atlanta suburb of Ellenwood, helped organize donations of equipment and services valued at $150,000 for the lab, which will be ready for students starting in January.

Among those suppliers that participated are: Rotary Lift; Hunter Engineering Co.; Mohawk Rubber Sales; NAPA Auto Parts; Reliable Hydraulics Inc.; and Ashland Inc.'s Valvoline brand.

Atlanta Public School officials and representatives of Kauffman Tire and other partners met Dec. 15 at South Atlanta High School to cut the ribbon on the facility.

“Our partnership with Kauffman Tire enables us to create and establish an actual career pathway from public education to well-paying jobs and careers,” said APS Superintendent Meria Carstarphen.

“The new automotive lab at South Atlanta High School is a shining example of how we can offer real-world, valuable trade skills and workplace training — teamwork, conflict resolution and mutual respect for others — to our students.”

Kauffman tire said the lab “will enable students to jumpstart their career in the automotive industry and explore career opportunities with our company, if interested.”

“Atlanta Public Schools has been fantastic to work with and truly understands and supports our vision to help develop students and give them an opportunity to be successful,” said Kauffman Executive Vice President Tom Money.

The auto lab was the result of a partnership involving APS' Office of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education, Kauffman Tire and its partners. The lab is located in a former aeronautics space in the rear of the school.

South Atlanta students participating in the basic maintenance and light repair course can earn ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) industry credential upon completion of course work, the APS said. South Atlanta High teacher Debraca Tenny will teach the auto repair course.

Atlanta Board of Education Member Eshé Collins, Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods, South Atlanta High School Principal Patricia Ford, Mr. Money, Ms. Carstarphen and representatives of the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education and Transportation Education Foundation of GA attended the ceremony, according to the school system.