Alexandria, VA – The National School Boards Association (NSBA) board of directors has endorsed the efforts of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (EGSR) to provide training for employers on the rights of workers who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
 
C.H. ‘Sonny’ Savoie, president of the NSBA board, signed the Statement of Support on Dec. 3 at the NSBA offices in Alexandria, Va. Accompanying him were fellow board members Lock P. Beachum, Sr. and Edward L. McCormick as well as Pauline Brunelli, acting Executive Director of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense.

In making the endorsement, the NSBA board expressed its support for compliance training under the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). The federal law protects the employment and re-employment rights of citizens who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Free training is provided to employers through DVDs provided by EGSR or by an EGSR volunteer ombudsman.

 “This is the right thing to do and the right time to do it” Brunelli said. “Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.  I am asking local school district leaders across the nation to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA).”

“The public schools are among the largest employers in many communities, so it is natural that the National Guard and Reserve will draw from the staff in our schools for their important work,” Savoie said. “At the same time, we must ensure that we have procedures for a smooth transition for our employees, our administrators, and our schools. It is critical for school boards to be up to date on the most current laws and make sure that their policies are in line with USERRA.”

Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association (www.nsba.org) is a not-for-profit federation of state associations of school boards representing 95,000 local school board members throughout the United States. Its mission is to foster excellence and equity in public elementary and secondary education through local school board leadership. NSBA represents the school board perspective in working with federal government agencies and national organizations that impact education, and provides vital information and services to state associations of school boards throughout the nation.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of our nation’s Citizen Warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil or by contacting Tom Bullock, Chief, Employer Outreach 800-336-4590, extension 537 or via email at tom.bullock@osd.mil.