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Fall 2025 Transportation Today Wisconsin™ | 21

Freedom High School Collision Repair

put FHS on the map with over 35 years of
success stories and dozens of shop-own-
ing former students who got their start at
Freedom High School. This year, FHS was
able to add the crowning achievement of
ASE accreditation to the program's acco-
lades. Current instructor Jay Abitz (Bob’s
son) says FHS has been teaching these same
entry level skills for over 50 years, but it
was the new Collision Repair Fundamentals
certification that finally fit the bill for FHS.
For many years we have taught basic entry
level skills of dent repair, primer and paint
applications, plastic repair, welding, and
removal/installation of parts. We pair that
with a basic mechanical repair background
and our students can enter the industry
as well-rounded, entry-level technicians.
Many of our students have gone on to be
technicians, shop managers, front office,
and many business owners as well. FHS
collision repair has always had excellent
Freedom High School support from administration, the commu- cation Manager Aaron Troxell really helped
Freedom High School has been teach- nity, and the local industry, everyone was on to break down the process. Aaron’s guidance
board for making the accreditation process
ing collision repair since 1972. FHS has a success. Supporters from the ASE founda- in organizing our documents really helped
long been known for solid teaching of col- tion and the WATDA’s Brent Kindred put on push me across the finish line. I had worked
lision repair fundamentals and turning out an accreditation celebration in May! towards this accreditation over the last few
well prepared students who have excelled The ASE accreditation process is a lot years. Once the collision repair fundamen-
in the industry. Retired instructor Bob Abitz tals option became official, it took about 1
of work on the front end, but our state Edu- year of steady work to align our curriculum,
tests, and outcomes to the ASE task list and
standards. We already met and taught the
majority of the standards and tasks, but
EARN YOUR DEGREE IN calling them out and making it clear where
they took place and how they were assessed
TRANSPORTATION accounted for the majority of the work.
FHS currently offers 6 auto classes:
auto 1,2,3 and Auto Body 1,2,3. To meet
the required classroom hours, the standards
and tasks are spread across those 6 classes.
Is it worth it? YES! While teaching basic maintenance and light
Our industry partners tell repair in the auto classes, collision funda-
us that workers with a mentals are included at the same time. Tasks
diploma have these such as remove and install (R&I) of parts,
advantages: is a task that fits well in a standard auto construction by way of a district wide refer-
class. Students may be doing oil changes,
• Greater starting wage tire rotations, and TPMS sensors, and at the endum. The automotive program will be one
• Rapid job growth same time R&I a door, mirror, door handles, of the main benefactors of this 64 million
dollar project! FHS is building a state of
• A hiring advantage ect. The auto body classes contain the main the art 12,000+ sq ft brand new auto shop,
skills of dent repair, plastic repair, welding
• Greater initiative more than doubling the current space. New
and refinishing. Students even get an intro-
The workforce needs skilled technicians in: duction into ADAS systems and some equipment like lifts, point of use tools, and
more space for cars and storage, FHS is
Auto Body CollisionTechnology 100% MSC Southeast structural topics as well. making an investment in the future of this
Automotive and Light Duty Diesel transportation programs One concern for Jay Abitz during program! Expected to be completed in the
Heavy Diesel Maintenance GET have a history of nearly the process was tools and equipment. The fall of 2026, FHS will capitalize on space,
Truck Driving STARTED 100% job placement program while being well supported is still equipment, tools, and accreditation to better
part of a small school and community. It
TODAY! can be difficult to replace tools and equip- serve its students and introduce many young
ment and stay up to date. However, FHS has minds to the automotive industry!
built a sufficient collection of the basic tools
and equipment needed, the only specialized freedomschools.k12.wi.us
equipment is the paint booth and refinishing
877.853.8324
department which Jay works to continually
update.
Red Wing
Winona southeastmn.edu/transport The accreditation could not come
at a better time. FHS is currently under