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Phillipsburg Today
By the People, for the People
Zwicker Appointed to Phillipsburg Board of Education
Community leader Keith Zwicker Jr. selected to fill vacant school board seat after public interviews
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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The Phillipsburg Board of Education has appointed Keith Zwicker Jr. to fill a vacant seat on the board. Zwicker, a longtime resident with deep ties to the community and experience in education, was selected from a pool of five candidates following a series of public interviews. While the vote was not unanimous, with three board members dissenting, Zwicker secured the six votes needed to fill the vacancy and will serve for the remainder of the 2026 and 2027 school years.
Why it matters
The appointment of a new board member is an important decision that impacts the direction and priorities of the Phillipsburg school district. Zwicker's focus on student success, supporting staff and educators, and fiscal responsibility resonated with the majority of the board, signaling a commitment to the 'students first' mandate.
The details
During his interview, Zwicker highlighted his 25-year history as a taxpayer and a father of three children currently enrolled in the district. He expressed a desire to ensure meaningful educational experiences for students, support for staff and educators, and fiscal responsibility with the district's budget. Zwicker also proposed the idea of a high-school-worthy job placement program to prepare students for careers after graduation.
- On February 9, 2026, the Phillipsburg Board of Education held a second round of interviews to fill the vacant board seat.
- The board voted 7-3 to appoint Keith Zwicker Jr. to the vacant seat.
The players
Keith Zwicker Jr.
A longtime resident with deep ties to the Phillipsburg community and experience in education, who was appointed to the Phillipsburg Board of Education to fill a vacant seat.
Rosemarie Person
The Board President, who was one of the three dissenting votes against Zwicker's appointment.
Ernie Gallant
The Lopatcong representative on the Phillipsburg Board of Education, who was one of the three dissenting votes against Zwicker's appointment.
Nancy Nelson
A Phillipsburg board member, who was one of the three dissenting votes against Zwicker's appointment.
Paul Rummerfield
A Phillipsburg Board of Education member who questioned the process for Zwicker's appointment.
What they’re saying
“I'm running because I want to ensure our children have meaningful educational experiences. I want to be a support system for our staff and educators, and I'm committed to being financially responsible with our district's budget. As a board member, my priority is student success—making sure we approve a curriculum that is both academic and focuses on the social and emotional needs of our kids.”
— Keith Zwicker Jr. (TAPinto)
“I'd like to see a high-school-worthy job placement program that works in conjunction with our local community. We need cooperative education to prepare students who are going straight into the workforce so they are ready for a career the day they graduate.”
— Keith Zwicker Jr. (TAPinto)
“I truly feel our kids are the best kids. My very first teaching job was at Phillipsburg, and though I moved on to teach middle school, those experiences shaped me. We have so many hardworking people in this town, and I want to support them and their children on this journey through our schools. I believe in a 'students first' policy, and I have the experience to back it up.”
— Keith Zwicker Jr. (TAPinto)
What’s next
Zwicker will be required to undergo a mandatory criminal history background check and complete state-mandated training within his first 90 days in office. He may be sworn in at the next board meeting, pending the results of the background check and fingerprint requirements.
The takeaway
The appointment of Keith Zwicker Jr. to the Phillipsburg Board of Education signals a commitment to a 'students first' approach, with a focus on providing meaningful educational experiences, supporting staff and educators, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Zwicker's community ties and experience in education make him well-positioned to serve the Phillipsburg school district and its students.
