UNION CITY, CA— The New Haven Unified School District Board held a public hearing on October 15, 2013 to discuss the proposed Dashmesh Academy Charter School. Parents, students, counselors, teachers, and community members came out in large numbers to show support for the charter school. The standing-room only crowd even filled up the overflow room that had been arranged. (Picture Gallery Below)
At the hearing, the Board heard comments from the community regarding the proposed charter school. Over 30 speakers shared their views regarding Dashmesh Academy, the vast majority speaking in favor of the charter. The lead petitioner, Ram Singh spoke about the need for a whole-child approach to learning and why Dashmesh Academy would be well equipped to create students prepared for the 21st century. Union City Councilmember Jim Navarro shared the story of a family member who was now attending college due to the enhanced education he received at a charter school. The Executive Director of COR (Congregations Organizing for Renewal), Allison Lasser also spoke in favor of providing parents with additional choices in the public education system. Community activist, Jonathan Padilla spoke to the inclusive nature of Dashmesh Academy, noting that it would provide outreach to students in multiple languages including Tagalog, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, etc. The need for multilingual resources was echoed by Berkeley High School intervention counselor, Jasdeep Malhi who shared how her ability to speak Spanish has been instrumental in her work. Other speakers included teachers, educators, professors, students and parents from NHUSD also spoke about their frustrations with the current system and why they feel Dashmesh Academy would better address their concerns.
The primary opposition to the charter school came from the teachers union. At one point, a teacher rose up to the lecturn and yelled at the countless parents, students, and community members for what she perceived as a request to separate from the district. Some of those opposed to the school referred to the community as “those people,” and at times became angry at the community members present.
Vinny Singh, an educator, addressed the teachers union’s concerns by noting that funding for schools follows the student, and therefore traditional district schools would not lose their fair share of funding. He also highlighted a few other points which he called “myths” and clarified that Dashmesh Academy’s target demographics are the same as the general population, and the school’s aim was to be inclusive.
Dashmesh Academy’s mission is to provide kindergarten to fifth grade students with the knowledge, skills and strength of character needed to succeed in life and serve as future leaders of their communities. They plan to hire “highly qualified teachers” and provide a “well rounded rigorous curriculum with a mission of placing every student on a path to college education beginning in kindergarten.” The Academy’s philosophy and mission include developing the whole child, intellectually, academically, personally, socially, physically, emotionally and ethically.
The NHUSD Board will make its decision regarding the charter school at its November 19th meeting.
Dear Editor:
Our first Guru Nanak Dev Ji suffered entire life to preach against oppression of Mugal Rulers in 15/16 century and now we’re working against Guru Ji philosophy. First we want to commit crime then want to hide from other humans. Does our religion teaches that no way we can hide from God who is omnipresent as per our final and living Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
I stated organization had been working for their own benefits and embazzle the donations & grants with false and fraudulent paper works. Do we Sikhs deserve Guru Ji blessing as we’re not honest to ourselves, our religion and community and now grouping to destroy American systems?
Heck we are greedy, has no self respect, no love for Guru Ji, 100% politician, most of us smuggler, have no vision, no petty on new Sikh generation, bent upon to destroy Sikh religion and communities in the entire universe without any measurements. Blind leads blind and failed to manage Gurdwaras with honesty. If human is not honest then not qualified as Sikh, hence polygraph is the solution to screen the bad intension of such groups.
The Jatherdhars do not screen themselves hence Amritdharies, Khalsa or Gurdwara Management committee members are corrupt and spreading corruption Worldwide. Keep accepting donations and never say no, contaminating Sikh Communities and degrading Sikh religion. This group has already tried in Indiana and failed; now attempting Dashmesh Academy Charter School in Union City, California. They are not Sikhs but breed of whom? That’s the fact that our Guru Nanak Dev Ji revolted against Muslim rulers. Now dedicated and honest Sikhs must take responsibilities to protect Sikhism and restored the lost respect that is deteriorating every day.
What type of education Sikh received as does not understand our own Guru Ji’s teaching?
Such Sikh Group members crushed their own sole with false ego and greed to live miserable life without the grace of God.
It was a great presentation. I and wife attended the same. Hope for the best. Conratulations to the pettioners and appreciate their hard work and efforts for the future of our kids.