I think now that I would like the bargaining team to stand so people can see the bargaining team who is here on the floor in front of me. Thank you. 

We all spent many hours together and I learned to appreciate the depth of his energy and his concern for justice. Those are the qualities that were apparent to everyone who worked with this fantastic individual. He was adored by the staff at Skyline High School and by the entire Skyline Community.  A quote I want to read, “A man is loved not for how tall he stands but for how often he bends to help, comfort and teach. That quote epitomizes the life  experience of Ajmer Malhi. Ajmer Malhi gave so much of himself to so many communities. Ajmer was willing to work the difficult jobs in a selfless and productive way. He taught, tutored and communicated with students at Skyline Castlemont High School for twenty years. His teaching extended well beyond the normal school day. He was there before school and after school to tutor students. Ajmer was there and he cared. He assumed leadership roles in his Union as Treasurer, Chair of the bargaining team in 1996 and he brought us a contract, in this building, in March of 1996 and he was the Chair of our current Bargain Team in the year 1999 and 2000.  As a bargaining team member Ajmer coordinated all meetings. His focus was always clear. Lets get a contract fair for our members and good for the students of the Oakland Unified School District. Ajmer was there and he cared. Ajmer served as Treasurer of the Oakland Education Association and he was instrumental in putting our books in order. He was able to make our organization solvent. He prepared us for any crisis that might necessitate our using those funds some day. Whenever discussions about expenditures would be brought up at the Executive Board, Ajmer would always remind us that we were spending the members money and that we should always be considerate of that fact. Ajmer was there and he cared. Ajmer served for many years as a Trustee for the Oakland Unified School District’s annuity account. He watched and studied to make sure that our members were earning the highest interest on the returns on the annuity plans. Ajmer was there and he cared. In these times when many of us find it necessary to work two, sometimes three jobs to make ends meet; it’s rare to find individuals who can give so much, so selflessly of their time in so many voluntary roles. Ajmer Malhi was a role model for students, teachers and all who have dreams of a better world. It is extremely difficult to assume leadership in these times. You have to be willing to face failure publicly on your way to success. Most people would rather fail than try it. It is the rare individual who is willing to stand up and provide leadership. Ajmer Malhi was that rare individual. After last Sundays tragic events, it is incumbent on all of us to carry Ajmer’s spirit of being there into our daily lives. A fitting tribute to Ajmer Malhi would be a resolution by all of us to take a more active role in our communities that we live and work in. We can’t always look to someone else to provide leadership and direction. In Ajmer's spirit it’s time for each of us to be there and care.