Meet Austin Drukker, Ridgefield's Everyday Hero

Do you know someone making a difference in our community? Patch wants to tell their story in a new series we’re calling “Everyday Heroes.” We are looking to share inspirational and uplifting stories of people who work to change others’ lives for the better.

The first in our series was sent in by Joanne Broccoli .

Name of Everyday Hero

Austin Drukker.

Your relationship to the nominee

Wife.

Why do you feel is this person an everyday hero?

He is and has been the Board of Education chairman for seven years and has been on the board for twelve years. Austin commits about 500 hours per year to volunteerism, most of that is his involvement with the Ridgefield BOE. The meeting schedule is arduous, the public meetings occur every other Monday from late August through late June, these usually last about 3 hours. There are numerous additional meetings that occur both in the public forum and behind closed doors. Finally there are the ongoing phone calls and emails which he receives (and responds to) from fellow board members, other members of the Ridgefield town government, educators, parents and citizens.

Details of good work done or being done

Austin consistently and cheerfully acknowledges, guides, and responds to these communications at all times of the day, from early morning to late at night, on weekends and even our vacations. From my perspective, the communications and discussions require impartial and insightful commentary; additionally, there have been instances where the stakeholder contacting Austin may be mildly upset to actually belligerent. I have never seen or heard him lose his calm or perspective either in a public meeting or private phone call.

Austin has concern for the greater well being of our town, specifically the educational system for which most Ridgefielders and their children have had direct access. Under his guidance and ability to gain consensus, the education budgets have been reasonable, the ranking of the town’s high school has improved, and two excellent superintendents have been hired. The reputation of our public education excellence is a major factor that draws new families into Ridgefield. He takes his responsibilities seriously, rarely complains of the almost year round commitment, and just as rarely receives kudos for his dedication. Although my children have been out of Ridgefield public schools for several years, (and his youngest is a high school senior this year), his hard work and dedication have and will continue to serve the students and families of Ridgefield, for that he is an every day hero.

Do you know someone who is an “Everyday Hero?”

Nominate them by following the instructions below:

Please answer the following questions below and email your answers, along with a photo, to wendy.mitchell@patch.com and your Everyday Hero could be featured!

1. Name of Everyday Hero
2. Your relationship to the nominee
3. Details of good work done or being done
4. Why do you feel is this person an everyday hero?

Have a news tip? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

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